Urgent breast referral - BRCA1

[Pipmum]

I'm a 39 year old BRCA1 gene mutation carrier and a few years ago had a preventative double mastectomy and reconstruction (implants). I have found a very noticeable lump on my breast and my GP has made an urgent referral to the breast clinic. The lump is mobile. Has anyone else who has had a mastectomy gone through this? I'm terrified it's cancer

Mobile lumps are usually indicative of nothing to alarmed by, so please try not to worry.

To reiterate what I wrote previously, just because you are a carrier of BRCA 1, it does not mean you will develop breast cancer, but regrettably, there is also a higher possibility you might. But even so, you might still never develop breast cancer.

Although all your breast tissue would have been removed during your double mastectomy, there is a tiny chance a cell or two is missed - think of it like trying to remove every single piece of pith from an orange. Regrettably, it takes just one cell to mutate and form a tumour, be it benign, malignant or even just a harmless cyst.

At this juncture, it is impossible to say what your lump is. Try not to worry and be assured that the breast clinic will investigate properly and you will know what's what.

Thank you for taking the time to reply- it's reassuring. Just hope I get an appointment soon so I can stop fretting!