How do you check your breasts when you have loads of cysts?

[Verysadatwork]

Hi mumsnet
I’m 52 and 4 years into hrt. I have loads of breast cysts - and I mean loads. The other week I was in a Sunny bathroom and could see the blighters under the skin.
I have a annual mammogram (have done for years due to family history). About 6 months after the last mammogram I visit my GP with the lumps and they refer me on the two week pathway where ultrasound has confirmed they are indeed just cysts.
the medics all say “come back if anything changes” but they change from month to month. I’ve had them drained twice. The first time lasted a couple of months, the second didn’t really work (less skilled doctor)

is anyone else in the same boat? I take my breast cancer risk seriously but with my cysts I could be having ultrasounds every month….

I have never understood the whole check your breasts thing because my breasts are, and always have been, totally full of lumps.

I go with assuming it would somehow feel "different" if it was cancer because I certainly have no idea and no way of remembering where all the lumps are.

Goodness knows if that's right or wrong but without appearing at the doctor's every ten minutes and sending myself mad, I haven't come up with a better plan.

It’s a pain, literally and metaphorically. Loads of cysts, always get recalls on imaging. I’m reviewed twice a year (used to be once a year so ironically this worries me). I try to keep track of the cysts as generally they are up/down within 1-2 cycles. I’ve decided if it doesn’t go down/feels/looks weird then will contact the dr. Breast cancer on both sides of the family so it is a bit worrisome but I can’t put all of my energy into worrying about every bump especially when some months there can be several massive ones

I have the same issue and I think it would feel different. Cysts are usually symmetrical and circular whereas cancerous growths are bumpy and uneven. Usually when I've had moles checked I know what they're looking for.

i totally understand this and I’m glad I’m not the only one. I have so many cysts. I’ve been getting them since I was mid thirties but since early 40s it was ridiculous. I stopped checking as I would always have cysts. I have the loveliest doctor and she suggested for my anxiety that I’m seen every 4 months so now I don’t check. I get annual mammograms. Some I get are so big you can see them you don’t need to feel. I try not to look at them as they set me off stressing. Showers are done with my eyes closed. I have ocd and I struggle with that and health anxiety. Beyond lucky to have such a brilliant doctor though x

This is a great question and something I think about too. I’ve also had them drained and I’ve no idea what’s going on in there. I generally go in every couple of years for a mammogram. Mine clump together so I’ve no idea if they are “round” or not. I think it’s largely impossible to spot any changes in our situations.

Really struggling with this myself. I have two fibroadenomas and seem to get lots of cysts now as well. I check but I can’t work out what is what anymore. I’m currently really suffering with pain under my breast on the bra line and struggling to sleep with the pain. I feel like I’m a total peat going back to the gp again. I’m pretty good with pain but this is so uncomfortable…..