Breast looks funny..see GP now or wait for mammogram appointment ?

[MrsGrindah]

I’ve noticed what looks like a pea sized lump next to my nipple. But when you touch it it disappears into a wrinkle ( both my aureoles are quite wrinkly). No discomfort. I’m going through the menopause and about to turn 50 so I’m sure it’s just that. DH says he can see it too though and says get it checked out.

However, my GP service is absolutely shit. Was thinking I might leave it till I get invited for a mammogram which will happen once I’m 50?

Go see your GP and get referred for a mammogram/ultrasound. You could be waiting ages for your age 50 mammogram invite to arrive. Don't take the risk. Get checked out now.

Thanks. They re just so dismissive at my GPS though..last went in March as I had a dodgy mole and they made me feel like a time waster.....but then I suppose you want to be a time waster in a way don’t you? i.e. for there to be nothing wrong

Let them be as dismissive as they want but insist they refer you to a breast clinic. If they won't, demand a second opinion. If you need to kick off, then kick off about it.

I've been having mammograms since my late 30s because I'm high risk due to my family history. I'm 49 now. My DM was only 51 when she died from breast cancer (despite her having been given the all clear 5 years previously) and I spent most of my teenage years watching my DM struggle with breast cancer. Treatment has moved on massively these days but what I learnt back then and what still applies is that you must be pushy and insistent and don't let anyone dismissive put you off asking for what you are entitled to.

My DM had breast cancer several times. She was told she was being paranoid when she spoke to her GP and said she thought the cancer was back. They would have just dismissed her and sent her home. But my DF kicked off about it so they referred her to a consultant for an urgent appointment. She did see the consultant but by then it was too late and there was nothing they could do. She was dead less than 2 weeks later.

I’m so sorry to hear that. Thanks for your advice and you have made me feel less of a nuisance

My breast looked different. Thought I could feel a lump but wasn't sure. Got it checked out by the GP who also felt it probably wasn't serious but best get it checked. Referred to the hospital who found the very small tumour. As it was so small and early stage I just needed a lumpectomy and a short course of radiotherapy. Big shock but such a relief to avoid chemotherapy. Get it checked it is probably nothing sinister but if it is getting it early makes such a difference.

Get it checked. I’ve got a small one under my nipple that I could only feel when I leant forward. I had a mammogram and biopsy and the wait for the results was the longest few days of my life but it was all clear thank god.
You’ll just keep worrying if you don’t

True. And I keep prodding and poking it!

Go to Gp, they should refer and you should be seen within 2 weeks I believe. I went and the Gp couldn't feel anything but still referred for reassurance. And at the clinic they were very positive about everyone getting themselves checked out.

@MrsGrindah did you call the GP?

Please go to your GP. You should receive an urgent referral for mammogram, they aim for within 2 weeks. You may not receive your invitation for months, which could make the difference between curable or otherwise.
I had breast cancer at 52, caught early, dealt with quickly and I’m fit, well and happy 3 years on.
Please don’t put it off.

I’m ringing them tomorrow as I had to be in work before they opened today. It’s still there..

Thanks for asking. You’ve made me feel less silly

I understand feeling silly @MrsGrindah When the doctor confirmed I had a lump, my first response was “so I’m not wasting your time”. He hadn’t made me feel that way at all but I felt like it was nothing and I was wasting their time getting it checked.
Hope you get an appt soon

OP I previously worked in a breast screening unit. It is so important hat you go to see your GP please don't wait. Stamp your feet and shout if you have to.
When you go to breast screening you are examined, scanned and have biopsies taken if appropriate. All done on the same day and reviewed as a matter of urgency. No one is ever treated as a time waster, we would rather see ten women with no cancer than miss someone who does.
Hopefully it is nothing but incase it isn't it is better to have these things done quickly!

Definitely don't wait for the over 50 mammogram appointment - it doesn't always come through quickly. I was almost 52 before I had mine.

Hope all goes well.

I got an appointment today. Typically lump was hardly there , so Dr ( who was lovely) thinks it’s more a change in skin texture. She wants to see me in a month . Do feel like a time waster ( why do symptoms always disappear the minute you get to the doctor.) But glad I went so thanks everyone for your support.

Personally I would ask for second opinion OP. Lumps ( even ones that seem to disappear ) and skin changes in menopausal women should be evaluated fast. I wouldn’t be waiting for another month in your shoes.

Don't wait another month. Go see another GP instead.

And stop saying you feel like a time-waster. You're not. Don't ever hesitate to get breast lumps checked out. Your reticence could cost you your life. It's always better to be safe than sorry.