Breast indentation

[jimmychooing]

Hi
I have been to my GP and they are going to refer me to the breast clinic BUT can anyone offer reassurance or experiences? I've been to the clinic before for what turned out to be cysts but this is in the other breast and is a indentation (see attached photo). I wondered/hoped it might just be my breast sagging with age?...

[Image removed by MNHQ at poster's request]

I'm hoping they'll fit me in before Xmas but I suppose that's unlikely!

I don’t have a clue but from experience, most breast clinic referrals are quite quick. Mine was 10 days or so for a lump around this time last year.

I hope so, I think COVID will be impacting as I assume they can't have as many people in the waiting rooms as they usually do?

Has anyone had anything similar?

It looks like there is a slight matching indent on the other boob, is it just the light? If it’s similar on both sides, it’s unlikely to be anything problematic. But of course you’re doing the right thing getting any change checked.

There is a very slight indentation on the other one, yes. That's what made me think it might just be age! It's just the other one is so pronounced that had me worried enough to go to GP and he immediately saw it and immediately referred me urgently

Ok, don’t read too much into the urgency yet, a lot of breast changes are referred on a very quick turnaround. The fact that it’s on both sides, albeit not as pronounced is a very good sign, and it’s in an area where the skin is pulled a lot from weight so may be ligament related. Try not to worry too much while you wait, easier said than done I know.

Thanks Candy, I appreciate you taking the time to reply I'm going to try my best not to over worry before my appointment - the first time I got referred and it ended up being a cyst I made myself ill with worry and it did me no good!

I think I was just hoping someone would be able to say 'I have that, it's just sag'

Underwired bra fitting poorly causing the indent?

Good suggestion but I don't wear underwired bras - they are sooo uncomfortable

I'm 32 and I have this. I have a large cup size and I've assumed it's due to wired bras/the tissue not being as elastic as it once was. But definitely get checked if you're concerned.

It looks similar on both sides to me, and just like sag to be honest... but it’s always good to get these things checked out. I went to the breast clinic this week on a 2 week referral. I had a lumpy area in one breast, the gp assured me that they almost always refer on the 2 week pathway. It was all fine in my case, and everyone at the clinic was so kind. They were running a reduced service due to covid, however, and my appointment was actually 4 weeks after the referral rather than 2 weeks.

In my trust, all breast referrals are done as 2WWs (I've had 2 myself) so try not to read too much into that as it could be the same where you are

To me (& no offence meant), it just looks like sagging. Did you breast feed and did your baby prefer that side by any chance? My left boob is saggier than my right due to this

Do you wear underwired bras? I wonder if these indentations have come about from years of pressure from the wire ends. I have something similar on my wrist - an indentation that is there even in the morning after taking my watch off for bed. It is as if the flesh grows around the obstruction. Is your left breast slightly larger than the right? That could account for the indentation being deeper on that side.

Can you feel a lump near the indentation? If you can't, and your GP couldn't either, that's also encouraging.

You might well be seen before Christmas. Even now, breast clinics (in my area) are seeing patients within two weeks. The chairs in the waiting room have been arranged to allow social distancing, everyone wears masks, and you may not be able to bring anyone with you to the appointment, but apart from that they are operating quite normally. They are usually very efficient: you see the consultant and have mammogram and/or ultrasound if required, the same day. Most women who are referred, turn out not have breast cancer.

Same problem 2 months ago. Was seen in breast clinic 2 weeks after contacting gp. Had an exam then mammogram and it was normal menopausal breast changes x

Thanks so much for the replies! It's definitely not from underwires as I don't wear them but I'm early 40s and it's all dropping so it could well be that! No lump felt by me or GP so that's good.

I did wonder whether I should actually start wearing underwires if it's natural sag - try to stave it off for a bit!

Don't worry about urgency! I had what I thought was a shadow or indentation, but on the underside, and was given an urgent 2 week referral - I think that is standard. It turned out to be nothing to worry about :-)

And no offence taken about the sag comments - I'm not at all bothered if that's what it is!

Funnily enough it's my smallest boob that has the biggest dent

A friend had this, turned me out to be a collapsed cyst. Try not to worry OP

Your posts are really reassuring me this has been such a stressful year hasn't it?!

Hopefully you will get definitive diagnosis shortly. Waiting is the hardest part. Nobody can tell you that it isn’t what you are fearing, that’s why your referred. To rule out anything sinister.

Most referrals are benign. The overwhelming majority. Worst case scenario isn’t anywhere near as bad as you are currently imagining.

This is a lovely supportive thread
I think the message is always if in doubt get it checked but we should all be aware that most of these things are not sinister.

Yes, I know. It's just hard not to think the worst. My mum died of Brest cancer a number of years ago now and it stays with you

Breast obviously

It's lovely and supportive candy - I'm so grateful, I feel better about it already and will keep a grip of myself until my appointment. Apparently I should hear on Monday when my appointment will be

Of course that’s going to make it seem all the more worrying for you so be patient and kind to yourself. Nothing is going to stop you worrying while you wait, but talking about it can help and seeing what other people have experienced.