Lump in armpit - referral to clinic

[badgerread]

I had a doctor's appointment at 230 today to ask her about a lump in my armpit I've had for a couple of weeks. She said she was going to refer me to the breast clinic and I received a call half an hour ago giving me an appointment next Tuesday.

I'm obviously quite concerned and wondered if anyone could tell me what to expect??

Aw bless you, I'm sure it will be OK but your GP is right to send you to breast clinic. Better safe than sorry.

Just to let you know I had one too, size of a pea and mobile. it was around a hair follicle, probably caused by shaving. I had it for quite a long time, it annoyed me and I 'fiddled' with it after showering. My interference caused an abscess! That was a pain (especially when it burst).

Anyway it was treated, it's gone now - completely even the original nodule - and I still shave.

You've done the right thing not to 'fiddle'. Good luck with your examination and come back to tell us the result.

Thanks Rebecca. I did ask the girl that does my waxing to have a closer look a few days ago and she said it didn't look like a blocked follicle and it get it checked out. Mine isn't mobile and isn't painful.

Oh well I suppose there's no point in worrying. I just wondered what tests I'm likely to have on the day?

If it's a specialist breast assessment centre then first you might get a mammogram which is an xray of the breasts. Then you might get an ultrasound, with a handheld device passed over your breasts similar to other ultrasound. You may also have a physical exam of the breast. If they still aren't sure you might get a needle biopsy. In the one I was in, we removed our upper clothing in a cubicle, and put on a cloak type gown as you go through various stages.
There were at least 30 women going through it at the same morning as me and we all looked terrified!
I find mammograms a bit uncomfortable so when I went I took a couple of painkillers before the appointment and it was fine. Anyway it's good to get it sorted and put your mind at rest.

I had a lump in my armpit. It turned out to be a blocked sweat gland and took a few months to subside.