Breast lump referral

[SunnyNights]

I’ve been referred to the breast clinic after the GP confirmed a discrete lump in my breast. Appointment was yesterday so was holding it together for the kids to mark NYE and now just feel like I’m in limbo until the appt - should be in two weeks according to the GP.

My right breast feels much lumpier than the left (not sure if that’s normal?) and has always been a bit bigger (I think) and this lump is quite deep in the tissue according to the GP. I think she did struggle to find it at first. She was really digging about to locate it with me showing her where I thought it was.

I’ve had on and off breast pain in that area for a few months but thought it was a badly fitting sports bra. And the lumpy area feels tender too - but that could be all the prodding I’ve been doing lately…

I am now struggling to find the exact lump, it all feels a bit lumpy in that area. So possibly hormone related? I’m 41 and had some premenopausal symptoms, sleep issues, increased anxiety etc.

I’ve also lost two stone in the last year so both beasts feel a little flatter anyway so wondering if the lump is just normal for me but now standing out more as there is less fat there now. The GP was in a bit of a rush as I was the last patient and she said she’d been working since 7:30 so I didn’t feel I could ask many questions - don’t get me wrong she was very professional but a little brusque.

Can you tell I’m trying to be positive and find EVERY reason under the sun to not worry!!!

I just had my two week wait appointment, but it was in three days. I found a lump and I also have a boob much bigger than the other. The consultant want worried. She said she can mostly know straight away from feel if there's anything bad. She said the lump would normally be the size of a grape and hard. I had thickening of breast tissue. Hope this helps a bit

That's good to hear, glad your experience was so positive

I've been twice to the breast clinic and on both times everything was fine. I had cysts/ benign lumps. The consultant said that 9 out of 10 lumps are benign but you must get it checked out so well done for going to your GP. You'll have a breast exam, probably mammogram given you are over 40 and possibly an ultrasound. Sometimes there is a biopsy too. It's usually a one stop shop for prepare to be at the clinic for a number of hours.

I just had my two week referral appt which was less than a week, I was the same lump and pain and I had myself in a state about it, early 40s as well. They were so thorough at the appt, checked by consultant then mammogram and uss, thankfully all was OK and I was sent on my way, most likely hormonal changes and lumpy tissue.
In the waiting room chatting to all the other women in our barely decent gowns there were so many who had been previously and treated successfully and back maybe 10 years later, those who needed biopsy and were waiting for same day results and talking of how quickly anyone was getting their surgery was so hopeful that even if the news hadn't been what I'd hoped for that I would have received excellent care. All the best op, will hope for a positive outcome for you as well.

Thank you, this is all very reassuring.

I keep veering between it will all be fine, and then planning how I would tell the children if news was bad - really need to try and rein in the negative thoughts. Not helpful at all!

Amazing that so many women had been treated for cancer and the success of that from your waiting room experience @Nyancat

Oh yeah forgot to say I had an ultrasound and she said of there anything iffy looking she'd do the biopsy there and then.

In July 2019 I found a lump which turned out to be cancer. I had my two years all clear in August.
The breast clinic is a one stop shop. They have doctors, radiologists and specialist breast care nurses. You will probably have a mammogram first and then see the doctor who will have the results in front of her. The doctor will examine you and then arrange an ultrasound. They may do a biopsy at that point as well.
Then you go back in to see the doctor.
Their expertise is such that they often know at this point whether it’s cancer and they will tell you if they think it’s likely, they won’t send you home without a clue.
This can easily take 3 or 4 hours but at the end you have a good idea what’s wrong.

Vast majority of breast lumps are not cancer but if it is there is a wealth of effective treatment.

Congratulations on getting the all clear @Skap, must be a huge relief.

It sounds as though the breast clinics are very thorough!

I found a lump as was referred 'non urgently' to be on the safe side as the GP wasn't concerned (as she said it was small, smooth and moved).

I was very worried though and, despite it being a non urgent referral, I was given an appointment about a week later. Two doctors and one scan later I've been told its nothing to worry about.

Like a PP said, I was also told 9/10 lumps turn out to be nothing to worry about.

I help your appointment comes through really soon as waiting is horrible.

I have the misfortune of being a very lumpy person with a family history so I have been to the breast clinic so many times I am on first name terms with the surgeon. Most of the things they see are really nothing to worry about but they are always happy to see lumps and check things out. If they are at all concerned they will move quickly - but remember, even if they do a biopsy that doesn’t mean it’s cancer. Good luck!

Appt is 13 Jan. Within the two week timeframe but seems like a long time away right now.

I'm on due on early next week so hoping the lump reduces then and it's a hormonal thing. Have found another lump too, near the first but kind of long rather than round.

Really need to stop checking until the appt!

Just been contacted and there is a cancellation so I will be seen on Friday.

Good luck @SunnyNights hope all goes well on Friday!

Thank you @Nyancat, will update!

I have been a number of times, about three cysts aspirated, and two lumps removed, all fine.

That's very reassuring, thank you @Chloemol

I had exactly the same experience @SunnyNights, with very similar sounding breasts! Right one lumpier than left and bigger than left. I had also lost weight so things were looking/feeling different in comparison. Two week pathway, mammogram and ultrasound. Hormonal cysts. All fine

All clear! I have very fatty granular tissue in one breast which is causing the lumps but nothing to worry about.

Thanks v much to everyone that held my hand this past week, it really helped

Fantabulous news SunnyNights - I'm so glad for you. It really is very stressful. I had a four week wait before Christmas due to self isolation with Covid in family etc (actually was an admin error but I had rearranged my appt by then) and I was nearly losing my mind with stress. It was a benign cyst.

Oh blimey @BeanAnTae I was struggling with just a week! So glad your lump was nothing to worry about.

I had been before so knew that 90% of issues were okay but your mind runs through all sorts of scenarios, doesn't it?!

Have a lovely large glass of wine tonight, if that's your thing!

Ah @SunnyNights brilliant news! So glad it turned out well for you.

@BeanAnTae have a glass in my hand now 

Thank you @Nyancat!

@MinnieJackson my imaging also found thickening of breast tissue in one area and I am waiting for biopsy results. How did they explain this to you I wondered ? Thank you