Breast cancer symptoms - what is typical?

[WinkyWinkola]

Last night, as I was helping DS puke (!), I felt my left breast feel very tender.

After examination, I found a lumpy mass near the armpit and a small pea shaped lump below that. Both are in the breast but near the armpit. It's sore and tender on that side of the breast.

With two ill DCs, I couldn't go to the GP today but have an appointment on Monday when they're at nursery.

I feel so worried. I know nothing is certain without medical examination but what could it be? Cancer? What will the GP do?

What if the GP misses it? Should I ask to be referred to a specialist regardless?

You do need to get it checked but cancerous tumours are very rarely painful. That sounds like a swollen lymph gland - do you have a cold or have you had one recently. You can have an autoimmune response which makes your lymph glands swell. You COULD leave it five days and see if it just goes.

When you go to the GP he/she will feel the lump and probably also take a history for family incidences of breast cancer. If it looks dodgy he'll refer you on for an appt within two weeks to see a specialist who will take a needle biospy (doesn't hurt any more than a blood test).

Thanks WMMC.

I've not been ill recently at all. Quite the opposite. Fighting fit, going to the gym, back to size 12 etc.

I worry because my step mother had bowel cancer that was constantly dismissed by her GP as IBS. Should I just ask to be referred anyway?

If you are concerned go to the GP and tell them you want to be referred and stomp your feet. They will refer you if you are very worried anyway.

Early bowel cancer symptoms are very similar to IBS. Not defending your DSM's docs but breast lumps are v different and taken very seriously by GPs.

A painless lump is the most common reason for referring a patient up to the breast clinic. Most aren't camcerous, but they should all be referred under the 2 week wait scheme.

Your GP will probably examine you and try to feel the lump. TBH, even if I can't feel the lump but the patient is positive that there was one there- I would still refer.

Once you get to clinic, you will probably be asked a lot of the same questions, especially about family history of breast cancer. You may then have an ultrasound and/or a mammogram. If there is a definite lump, then you may have a biopsy taken, this involves putting a needle into the lump and drawing off the cells.

I hope it all turns out to be nothing of any consequence.

winkywinkola am in exactly the same boat as you. found lump tonight which sounds v similar - slightly sore and more in armpit than breast. haven't been ill that recently so am wondering if should go to GP. Strong breact cancer history in family unfortunately but I do get paranoid about it as am convinced i'll get it sooner or later so not sure if am over-reacting and whether GP would think I'm being overcautious.

I had the same thing last week, pea sized lump in armpit, quite tender. I didn't go to the Gp as I was away, by the time I got home it was gone.

i had the same, freaked as mum had breast cancer so was rushed through and got a scan, the painful lump was just swollen tissue mass resulting to hormone change....worried sick at the time...still have to go back for regular checks and im only 28 my mum had dermatitis under her arm pit and a small lump which didnt hurt good luck xxx

Winky,I am sure you are beside yourself with worry.
I found a lump some time ago now. The Gps took it very seriously and I was referred very quickly indeed to a specialist and then had an ultrasound same morning. It was nothing to worry about. But I just want to reassure you that when you do go they are very fast and efficient. Best wishes.

Winky,I am sure you are beside yourself with worry.
I found a lump some time ago now. The Gps took it very seriously and I was referred very quickly indeed to a specialist and then had an ultrasound same morning. It was nothing to worry about. But I just want to reassure you that when you do go they are very fast and efficient. Best wishes.

I had a 7cm tumour taken out of my breast in March. It was not tender or remotely sore, even when I poked it hard. Apparantly it is rare for breast cancer to hurt. The lump I could feel was quite small, pea sized. I have no family history of cancer. Apparantly only small percentage of breast cancers are hereditary. It is very rare for women under 40 to get breast cancer and 90% of lumps are benign. I was just very unlucky.