Big lump under nipple/areola

[GarrettGraham]

A few weeks ago I had a randomly sore nipple. Nothing major, but noticeable. I put it down to hormones as I’d just finished my period, or possibly irritated from clothing or something. I didn’t feel anything sinister.

Yesterday, it was sore again and now there’s a lump. A really big one - think large grape? The pain isn’t constant. It looks normal except for the fact the lump is causing the nipple to look wonky - like it’s collapsing in on itself on one side. My period started today.

I am 36 years old. Four children. Haven’t breastfed in 16 months. On 1mg of Wegovy but otherwise no medications, no hormonal contraceptives used for years.

I don’t know why I’m posting really. I’ve had a lump before and was referred to breast clinic and it was fine. I had a boob suddenly grow bigger before, was referred to breast clinic and all was fine. I’ve had plenty of referrals for things in my time and never been worried. I wasn’t worried about it yesterday but today, I don’t know, I just can’t reassure myself that it’s nothing to worry about. I’ve always been a “I’ll worry when there’s something to worry about person” to the extent that I don’t even bother taking anyone with me to hospital appointments - I am quite relaxed about these things.

I didn’t phone the GP yesterday as I thought it was hormonal but now I’m just sat waiting for Monday. I wish I’d phoned.

I have private insurance with BUPA so in theory I could phone them now but I don’t think I want to. Part of me wants to wait until Monday when the kids are at school and nursery, and part of me wants to see a GP in the flesh first.

Anyway, I’m rambling now. Would appreciate stories good and bad. I know most lumps are nothing. I know most cancer lumps are not painful. I know that cancer is not the most likely outcome. Just feel a bit weird not knowing. Also - is it quite likely to be benign given it appeared so suddenly? I know that’s a thing with IBC but I assume it’s also a thing with cysts so I’m trying to reassure myself I suppose.

To ring the GP/fill in online consult. I will definitely have it checked - not long had a feel and it's still there, bold as brass.

Be very clear that you are requesting a referral to the breast clinic. Hopefully they’ll see you same day and do the referral. Don’t be fobbed off.

@GarrettGrahamWill be thinking of you tomorrow. Good luck! 💐

@GarrettGraham thinking of you today and hope all goes well 🙏🏻 ❤️

Thank you, ladies. How wonderful to have such support.

Appointment is at 3:15pm but I’ve got a busy day at work to distract myself.

I will let you know how I get on.

Fingers crossed for some good news. Will be thinking of you.

How are you @ThatAmberCritic? Have you managed to see a GP yet?

Yes, I did yesterday and have a referral to the breast clinic. Let the waiting commence!

How did your appointment go today?

All fine thank you for asking @ThatAmberCritic

The doctor couldn’t feel anything on examination which wasn’t surprising as the lump had all but disappeared and I was only able to feel it by pinching the nipple which I explained. He was a bit dismissive with his tone to be honest and I felt really silly but regardless sent me for an ultrasound scan.

The ladies there were much kinder and explained there was nothing sinister going on and there was a ridge of glandular tissue in the area that was likely the culprit.

Back to see the doctor who just said “everything is fine, if you’re ever worried then please go back to your GP” then asked if I had any questions. I then explained how the lump had been quite large and very distinctive before and he interrupted me to say it wouldn’t have gone away if it was sinister. I explained that I wasn’t now worried it was sinister but was wondering if it was likely hormonal and likely to reoccur to which he just said “yes, probably”. So I found his overall tone quite rude and I felt like he thought I was wasting his time and wanted me out of there asap.

Anyway, it is good news so of course I am relieved but it would have been nice to have got a bit more than “everything is fine”. He made me feel like an over anxious hypochondriac 😔

Oh, that's fantastic news!! I'm so pleased for you. Sorry to hear though, that you were made to feel like that. Empathy is clearly low on his agenda. I'm glad the ladies were kinder! Hope you're having a little treat to celebrate this evening.

Op, this is a really helpful update post, great that it was a good result in response to your concerns.
We all need to feel it’s ok to ask and confident enough to contact our GPs with any concerns. We also shouldn’t have to only present with really obvious symptoms, if we’re not medically qualified how do we determine what’s sinister if it’s not bleeding/swollen/itchy/infected or whatever?

Hope you’ll sleep better tonight after the relief from the appointment 😊

Thank you, both. It is good news. I am relieved!

Do keep us posted on how you get on @ThatAmberCritic - hope you don’t have to wait too long for your appointment.

@GarrettGrahamI am SO relieved for you. You will sleep well tonight ❤️. What I did find during my treatment is that surgeons/oncologists can lack a good bedside manner. I just think it’s the nature of the beast. My original oncologist was sharp and dismissive although he’s eminent in the field. My surgeon was lovely but businesslike. My current oncologist who is overseeing a change of meds for me is absolutely lovely and it has been refreshing. I think if you’re going to worry, and have private health cover, that it might be worth asking about a well woman check up. I would like to reassure that ultrasound is very effective and when I had mine, it was very clear my lump was cancer. I’m really really glad you’ve had good news.

Thank you @TheFormidableMrsC and for your kindness and support since my first post.

I’m just delighted you’ve had good news. Keep checking your boobs though, that’s the one thing that is the most important 💐