Really worried, found a lump in my breast, please give me some support

[scaredmumneedssupport]

Hi, found a large hard lump in my breast today (a few inches round). I'm imagining the worst. Obviously will book a dr appt to check it out, but can anyone advise what to expect. I know no-one can tell me its going to be okay, but I'd really like to know what to expect from the docs. What a cyst feels like/cancer lump feels like/how can such a large lump appear so quick.

Worried :(

not sure you've put your post in the best place! a bit pessimistic??

I have not been in your position but I understand that the majority of people who find lumps subsequently go on to find out they are not cancerous.

get the appointment booked tomorrow and, as much as possible, try not to worry (but i know this will be hard)

the important thing for now is that you found it and now something can be done - though perhaps nothing will be necessary.

take it easy and try not to think too negatively. sorry i can't offer any other practical advice but hopefully someone will be along shortly.

xx

Thanks pp, trying to be positive. Wasn't sure where to post!

I had tests recently and was really impressed by thoroughness of tests and left feeling well cared for. Clinic was packed with people getting checked out so you are not alone. Go see doc as soon as poss and very best of luck

New girl what happens, does the dr send you for tests, do you have to wait long? I hope you're okay x

You asked what to expect from the doctors, so my experience was:
Found a lump in breast, went to dr, she examined & said come back if it didn't go away after my next cycle
It didn't and I went back, got referred on (and chose to go private, as I had insurance and figured I might as well use it).
Went to hospital where they did ultrasounds and ultrasound-guided biopsies. Those weren't the most fun - basically the doc has an ultrasound wand to guide them in using a needle to extract a few cells from the lump to test. Bit sore afterwards but healed up fine.
They actually found a few lumps and told me I basically had, and I quote 'lumpy breasts' - nothing like being chatted up by your medical professionals
All biopsies came back benign. The docs offered to remove the lumps anyway if I wanted them to - they said it wasn't medically necessary at all but some people want to have them taken out. I said no, as frankly I don't have enough boobs to want to start giving them away, lol.

So I still have my lumps, the biggest is about the size of a 50p piece, and is very mobile. This is called a 'breast mouse' - it is possible to get your fingers either side of it, but it kind of tries to slide away from you. If your lump is mobile like that it's a good sign (google 'breast lump mouse' for more info).

HTH

I didn't have to wait long at all, my gp actually told me off and said I hadn't come back quickly enough after my next period, she had targets to meet to make sure I got referred on to hospital within six weeks (this applied even if I hadn't gone private).

Thanks hermione, what bothers me is that it doesn't seem mobile. Its quite large and round, 2cmish, but seems to have come up all of a sudden. I've recently had swollen glands on my neck so wonder too if its connected. I know i can't really know until i've seen the dr :(

Your GP will refer you to your nearest hospital with a breast clinic. The standard time for such referrals is 2 weeks. So, if you see your GP tomorrow you should be seen at the clinic by 7th or 8th May.

You will probably have a mammogram and sonogram before you see the clinic doctor. Those results will be available to the doctor within an hour or so. You may well then have a needle aspiration biopsy. Again, the biopsy results will be back with the doctor in an hour or so. At that point the doctor will discuss the results with you. If it is cancer you will be taken through the treatment options and probably leave the clinic with your treatment booked.

I found a lump as you describe a couple of years ago. The doctor saw me same day. And referred me to the hospital. She was very reassuring though and was able to tell me that she thought it was s cyst, or breast mouse. She also told me there were actually two lumps.

My hospital app came through very quickly. By the time I got there the lumps had gone!

If this lump came up very quickly, I expect it may go quickly too.

I had a large-ish lump although it was deepish and felt more like a large bump on the chest wall rather than floating in the breast tissue if you see what I mean!

I was sent straight for an ultrasound (they tend not to do mammograms under 40 as breast tissue is too dense) then a needle biopsy but they were upfront from the start that they weren't concerned and it was just routine so it didn't feel as worrying :)

Thanks angry feet, it seems quite large and round and hard. I always though you were supposed to look out for pea sizes lumps?

Is there a size the lumps are?