I have been prone to breast cysts for about 15 years now. I had my first one then, then had another couple over the next few years. Have been down the route of waiting til next period passed, then seeing gp if they're still there, and being referred on for further investigation. Have had several needle aspirations, one core one (I think?), and multiple ultrasounds & mammograms.
I have a family history of breast cancer (sort of - it's complicated), and see the family history unit once a year for a mammogram - if I haven't already been for one in the previous few months due to a cyst, that is. The family history don't offer a consultants appointment though - only a scan with the results sent to my gp.
The last couple of years, it seems like my breasts have gone mad. Last autumn I had my most recent scans, and in one breast in particular, I had about 12 different cysts - the radiographer was torn between amazement and amusement. I had one cluster of loads all together.
The problem I'm having is that I'm now getting new lumps most months. Sometimes they go away, sometimes they don't - about 50/50 I'd say. Sometimes they're around for a number of months, and then go. Sometimes they stay permanently. And here is the problem - if I went to the gp each time I got a new breast lump that didn't go away, I'd be going every couple of months. The gp is not going to want to see me that often, and I can't keep having ultrasounds/mammograms that often. But equally, I can't ignore them - what if, one day, it actually is a sinister lump.
I now have one breast significantly larger than the other due to having most of the cysts in it, though both do have them. It's not helped by me having very thick and lumpy breast tissue.
I'm hoping someone might have some ideas? I can't keep going back to the gp, but equally I don't want to ignore these lumps, just in case one day it is a serious lump.
Tonight I've found another couple of lumps, which I think are new - but to be honest, I have so many, I'm starting to struggle to keep track. Even though I've had so many cysts, and it's always been cysts so far, I still get the fear when I feel a new lump. So what do I do?
I'm in my mid-40s, not yet menopausal, not even peri-m.
I am due to see my gp, but can't see them for another three and a half weeks (had the appointment booked for almost two weeks now!). I will raise it with my gp of course, but they can be quite dismissive.
I'd appreciate any ideas, suggestions or experience of similar. I'm just not sure how to deal with this any more.