Armpit Lump; 2WW Breast Clinic Referral

[ladybird30]

Reposting here for more traffic and incase anyone's going through the same and wants a chat or a hand hold

Just returned from the GP after finding a small lump in my armpit and she's referred me to the breast clinic.

Has anyone else had experience of this? She felt it didn't seem sinister and possibly an inflamed lymph node but she wanted to be sure so referred me.

Honestly I feel quite panicky and am worried about possibly not being here to see my 11 month old grow up, which I know is catastrophising and massively unlikely to happen but it's all feeling a bit scary...

I think I just need a hand hold and some positive stories and to stop Googling!

Hi, I had a benign cyst when I was in my twenties which was a scary wait for results but turned out fine, and I have another benign lump now! If the doctor says it feels soft and not worrying then that’s what it probably is 😊 They have to be super careful though and test just in case. I’m sure you’re fine but I know it’s a horrible wait!

https://coppafeel.org/breast-cancer-info-and-advice/worried-about-a-symptom/#:~:text=9%20out%20of%2010%20people,doctor%20as%20soon%20as%20possible.&text=CoppaFeel!,-Like

Yes, about a month ago. Found a lump and nearly had a heart attack. Couldn’t get a GP appointment for 4 weeks so I paid to see a private GP. She was lovely and referred me to the breast clinic. Fortunately I have private health so I went to the clinic 2 days later. They were all lovely, I had an examination and mammogram and an ultra sound. Lump was declared a cyst, but just as I was feeling massively relieved, I was told they’d found another lump on the other side. So they sent me straight back for a second mammogram and fortunately that is a cyst too.
The waiting and worrying is bloody awful, so have a massive hand hold from me. Something like 90% of lumps turn out to be nothing so the overwhelming likelihood is that it’s nothing. There is a Cancer Support thread on here (if you search you will find it, I’m sorry, I don’t know how to tag) and those ladies are brilliant at providing support to those of us who fear we might have cancer. Oh, and DO NOT GOOGLE!! You will scare yourself silly. Sending you massive unmumsnetty hugs xxx

@TheSlantedOwl Thank you, that's reassuring and I'm glad you're okay. It's the waiting that's worse than anything isnt it... I just keep telling myself that there's a 0.5% chance of BC at my age so the odds are very much in my favour

@Idontknowwhattodo78 Thank you so much 😊 so many women have a similar story of it being nothing to worry about. It's helping me worry a little less but gosh, having a LO in the mix makes it so hard to stay calm and not think the worst. My appointments in 9 days so just need to get myself through the next few days!

Hi OP, I have had 2 two week wait referrals to the breast clinic and neither were anything to worry about.

The pathway for any breast problems (including a lump under your armpit) is to refer to the 2WW breast clinic and the vast, vast majority are totally benign (GP medical secretary here).

I know it's easier said than done but please try to not worry.

I’ve been referred twice and was so stressed both times. The last time my little boy was only six months old and this added an extra layer of stress. Once it was a cyst and another time they said it was auxiliary breast tissue in my armpit. Likelihood is it will be fine but it’s good you’ve been referred to get checked.

Telling you not to worry is pointless but firstly, the odds are it is nothing sinister, and even if it is positive, the NHS know what they are doing.

Mine was from a routine mammogram. In my case it was positive, and then involved the whole process of consultation, surgery, chemo, radio etc.

If yours is positive, you will be referred to a surgeon or oncologist who will explain the plan - how they will treat it, when, all the details.

My experience was mid-covid and my surgeon was a brisk, cheerful and hugely intelligent lady who answered every question, who made sure I had her office number and told me to ring back with any questions or concerns. She & the nursing team couldn't have been more reassuring. They were brilliant. 🙂

From the routine screen to surgery was 44 days. I won't say it has all been easy but I'm back to normal, working full time. That's 2.5 years ago.

Good luck x

@kab89 Thank you 😊 yes, not so worried its a 2WW as GP explained that's standard practice, if anything I'd rather it was sooner than later. Like you say, very unlikely

@SRK16 Yes, having my LO is really affecting me. If I was on my own I'd put my big girl pants on but the thought of the worst is horrible isn't it, everyone wants to see there LO's grow up and fly the nest

Just an update for anyone who may see this in the future who is worried.

Mine turned out to just be a lymph node that they aren't concerned about. The staff were all lovely, I was in and out in an hour but only needed an ultrasound in the end.

Thanks to all the lovely ladies on here who sent positive word and stories, you really helped get me through the waiting and worrying

Hello Ladybird. This happened to me. I had a worrying lump=p in my armpit. My GP referred me to the breast clinic where I saw a specialist who did all scans/ultrasounds etc. She said she was happy that is was a misbehaving lymph node and nothing to worry about. Everyone at the breast clinic was supportive and lovely. I hope all goes well for you. xx

Glad to hear this @ladybird30

Brilliant news @ladybird30 so pleased for you xx

What makes a lymph node misbehave just out of interest? Sorry to hijack post and very happy it’s nothing to worry about 🙏❤️@ladybird30

@Alicewinn being run down or having had an infection, among other, more serious things