Breast lump - wwyd?

[grumpypants]

For about a month I've had discomfort on one side, started like a pain under armpit, became a bit like mastitis (not breast fed for about 1.5 yrs) so saw GP. Have to go back in a month (ie two weeks now) if no better. Obv i have been obsessively googling and checking and today have found a small flat smooth lump, v small. not even sure anyone else cd feel it. What now? I hate going to the GP, I have a a 'medically unexplained' condition so have been back and forth endlessly feeling like a pita and now this - really worried they will think i am a hypochondriac/ bored/ etc.

I would go back to the GP.

You should always get any lump checked out. 90% are fine - but you need to get it checked out.

Go back to the GP and say you want to be referred for further tests.

Just because you have a "medically unexplained" condition does mean you are excluded from all the normal NHS services that anyone with a "medically unexplained" condition does not have.

That "with" should have been "without"

Good luck.

Thank you. Spent today thinking about it, will try to get female gp this week. Am also going to look at by passing gp and getting mammogram on bupa if poss?

Please go to GP this week - you really should get it checked out. Sullwah is right in what she says. See what the doc says before going privately as the nhs is really brilliant about breast referrrals.

I agree that NHS is really good on this - they have something called a "two-week referral" in my area which is what it says on the tin

But if you do want to go private and you live in London then try the "London Breast Clinic" - google it

They have consultants and all the whizz bang equipment in one place. And I think you can refer yourself.

So you will only need one appointment
Pricey if you don't have insurance.

Your GP asking you to come back in a month is pretty standard with breast discomfort because that can often be related to your cycle. However now you've found a lump you need to go back tomorrow.
They won't think you are a hypochrondriac - lots and lots of women have breast lumps. Mostly it's nothing much but it is a symptom of cancer and you cannot afford to muck around with this or let your embarassment get in the way of treatment.
The NHS services are excellent for this - the standard is for a one-stop appointment where you will be examined and possibly have a mammogram or an ultrasound depending on which is more clinically appropriate. They may also sample the lump with a needle so they can look at some cells. Then they tell you what next - more tests/all clear/wait and see type thing.

sorry, sorry - that should read 'it can be a symptom of cancer' not 'is' - didn't mean to terrify anyone!

Go back tomorrow. I have had several lumps and have never been made to feel like I am wasting time.

Northernlurker is right

Thank you all . Going to get dh to check tonight to make sure (lucky him ) and then going to go Friday. Its hard because i don't really know what's normal and what's not. It's not like boobs are smooth anyway - after 4 kids mine are like macaroni in a sock! (TMI)

it is hard, but a GP will be used to feeling what's is usual breast tissue and what's not, so do go

It's what is normal for you - so if it's a new feeling/lump then it's not normal for you.

thank you all - it feels as tho i have a fold of extra skin under the same armpit, as if i need to rub it iyswim? there isn't any but it just feels that way. the lump is kind os small and smooth (good) but hard to find. I think where i have had so many tests for this other thing over the last 4 years (with no dx) i am a bit terrified of being labelled neurotic/ attention seeking. Even tho i know, realistically, four visits this year is hardly a big deal.

As everyone else as said, please go. My dr couldn't feel what I could feel. Called me back 2 weeks later to check again and still couldn't feel anything but still referred me to hospital for my own peace of mind. NHS was wonderful. No-one thinks you are wasting anyone's time.

said - i am hoping you are okay? Thanks.

yes, hope you were ok grumpypants.

I meant said argghhh -sorry !!

Go back to GP!

Mine could feel my lump and I went to see consultant about two weeks later.

I hate going to any doctors. I usually don't unless I'm in very bad shape in some way, and even then, I'll leave it for a few days unless it's super dire.

You must get checked.

Is it a flat disc?

Any other symptoms?

Mine wasn't very squishy, but it was a cyst. I had a mamogram, too.

I think my GP knows I'm not a hypochrondriac, though, because the only times I've been in there I've been quite ill.

I do take the kids, though .

Think I'm ok. Had mammogram and ultrasound and all doctors involved told me they weren't at all worried and thought it was a cyst. Had a needle biopsy as well but not checked for results yet

glad to hear it said. (fingers crossed for results). Flat disc, can find it, just cringe at thought of gp fiddling around with me trying to direct them to where it is. Are you ok expat? I just hate going - all the dcs have health problems (referral to paed for 2 of them, physio, meningitis, heart murmur etc etc) so i feel like i am always there. I just don't want to feel like an idiot.

Yes, I'm fine. Had mamogram, had needle biopsy, went back and cyst was gone (consultant had had her baby, too! )

you won't feel like an idiot, - they won't make you think that,honest.

My GP told me (whilst removing a little skin tag that I had) that they like seeing people where nothing turns out to be wrong with them. It's the lumps that are nasty that keep them up at night. He said 'breasts are lumpy things so always come along and we'll take a look. We would always much rather do that than you worry' - that was years ago but I've never forgotten it.