Breast lumps, cracked nipple & small amount of discharge. Is there any way this isn’t breast cancer?

[Happyland88]

My GP is helping me with some breast lumps I have had. I first noticed the breast being lumpy almost a year ago but the doctor felt is was glandular. I went back again a few weeks ago as I felt the lumps had changed and was told she would check again in 3 weeks and refer if in any doubt. I’m due to see her again this week and I’ve just noticed my nipple is cracked (I’m not breast feeding) and I found a little speck of yellow discharge in my bra. I’m obviously fearing the worst but is there any way these symptoms could point to anything other than cancer? I’m 29 with a 1 and 4 year old. I’m really grateful for any advice. Thank you.

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional. I recently had similar symptoms - areas of thickened lumpy tissue and minor nipple discharge (I always have a small amount of discharge - it's normal for me). I was referred and it was nothing. If you're not happy could you see another GP instead of the original one when you go back?

Thanks RumbleMum hopefully my situation will turn out like yours. The crack is in exactly the same place as it was 6 months ago. It’s just very worrying. At least I’m seeing the GP this week. I would have tried to get seen tomorrow but I’m going to be in hospital getting my wisdom teeth out.

The likelihood of it being cancer is low. Most breast symptoms are benign. However, an Internet forum can’t provide the level of assurance you need. Insist on a referral to a breast clinic to get proper treatment for whatever it is.

Thanks Nyetimber. I know you’re right but I’m not in with the GP until the middle of next week so my minds gone into overdrive a little.

The waiting is the hardest bit! Hopefully all will be an infection or similar but don’t let them put you off being referred as it needs treatment whatever the cause.

I’ve been referred to the breast clinic. I’m petrified

I had my breast clinic referral yesterday. My GP happily referred me without delay. The appointment took a week to come through. I'm surprised your HP didn't refer you months ago.

But OP, chances are this is nothing. The GP should be referring you even if she thinks it's absolutely nothing.

There’s now 3 separate lumps, along with a nipple that’s cracked twice in the same place in the last 6 months, along with a small amount of discharge. I’m really finding it hard to stay positive. I just can’t see how that could be nothing.

How did you get on at your referral justanotherzombie

Happy please try not to worry.

I’ve suffered from lumpy breasts for about a decade now. If I think anything has changed I go straight to the Dr and they always refer me. I’ve been referred 3 times now.
I always worry, you can’t help it. But only a small percentage of women who are referred have cancer and you need to try to keep that in your mind.x

The chances of it being cancer are lower than the chances of it being a cyst, an infection, or one of the weird hormonal things that can mimic cancer symptoms.

The vast majority of cancers do not present with really visible symptoms (which is why bc so often goes unnoticed.)

No one here can give you an answer of course, but no, it’s not ‘almost definitely cancer.’ The two week referral is great - obviously waiting is very nerve wracking and it hope it works out well for you.

I think if you’ve got 3 lumps it’s much more likely that it is just “lumpy breasts”. I’m not an expert but I’ve always just heard of cancer being one lump.

I hope you’re right LizzieSiddal 🙏🏻

Happy I was all clear. Thank god. I am breastfeeding my 4th baby and got mastitis so was feeling my sore breast a lot. Found a hard fixed lump high on my breast well away from the mastitis. It was still there she. I'd finished my antibiotics but it then disappeared the day before my appointment. I went anyway just to make sure and get checked. They were happy there was nothing to even ultrasound at that point.

But Happy, your referral will come around quickly. It really could be any number of things that are not an issue. I know how scared you feel but hopefully all you'll be feeling shortly is relief. Xo

I’m pleased for you Justanotherzombie, I bet you’re relieved!