(Possibly wrong topic, was looking for a female health Topic) Worried about a lump that hasn't gone away in nearly 8 months...

[TreacleTreacleLittleStar]

Sorry if I am in the wrong topic... I realise this may not turn out to be any life-limiting illness. Please feel free to move it?

So I've had horrible pain in my breast for 8/9 months now, if not longer. After having what I first thought was a boil next to my nipple.

This boil went black, then reduced in size slowly. Then became just a dot and has been for months. The pain however has got worse & worse. Finally got a doctors appointment after losing at 'Appointment Roulette' for God knows how long...
Doc had a feel (whilst I was squirming in pain) and said she couldn't find any lumps, so gave me some Flucloxacillin and told me to come back if that doesn't work.

However, it hasn't. At all. I am in so much pain it is unbearable. My reason for posting on here is basically because whilst finally daring to have a look tonight, I've discovered underneath, roundabout where the worst of the pain is (funnily enough, quite a way from where the boil is/was??) a half moon shaped area of slightly darker skin. Almost could be considered bruise-like? Looks a bit black?

Would you be rushing to an emergency same-day appointment on Monday? Or am I overthinking it? I know the big C doesn't generally have painful initial symptoms but this has been going on so long now that I really am starting to worry?

I was a bit of a fool and consulted Dr Google. Which actually reassured me for once. Although I did discover that pain does not necessarily signal a benign issue...

Doesn't sound like breast cancer to be honest but does sound like you might have a persistent infection or touch of underlying 'dead' tissue. Get a GP appointment (not necessarily urgent) and suggest if it doesn't clear up within a few days suggest they refer to breast clinic to get it sorted properly.

I'm not in the U.K. But do you have the option to pay for a private ultra sound? You'll need a referral, after all this time I'm surprised that it wasn't suggested.

I had breast pain (not how you described) and it was cancer. I'm not trying to scare you but something's clearly not right and an ultra sound may rule things out.

WiltingTulip I'm so sorry. Are you ok now? How did it manifest itself may I ask? X

Mine was advanced and had spread, funny enough half of my invasive tumours didn't show on mammograms or ultra sounds. I think I'm doing ok- will have more tests to see if the treatment worked an a couple of months.

It's hard to describe the symptoms, I really appreciate how important language is as "pain" is such a non descriptive word!

I'd say I had a dull ache in a few localised areas. It would come and go, I'd often be aware of it at night. I felt the need to always wear a bra (I'm not very big so not really necessary if that makes sense).

Sometimes the pain was more of a sensation of an itch/nerve annoying me.

I never did a breast check 😳 But one day I just felt where the sensation was and there was a lump. Dr thought it was nothing but suggested an ultrasound so I asked for a private referral because I happened to have time off work that week so I thought I'd get it out of the way instead of wait a few weeks. It found half of the tumors (exactly where the pain was) and after surgery they found the rest (where the other pains were).

Because of my experience I'd never dismiss anything unusual! (I'm under 40 so it wasn't on anyone's radar).

At the very less you need to know what's going on so you can get treatment. I hope it all goes well.

Wow that has pretty much described me I'm under 40 too. (32)

I find the pain is worse in the morning???

Very dull ache mostly. Hurts more when touched. Whenever my toddler knocks me there I squeal in pain

Glad you're doing ok now. I'll try get seen on Monday if I can. Thanks

Oh and just to add - I have the itch too

One last thing - I just now had another look and the darker patch is slightly raised above the skin...only slightly. Doesn't resemble a solid lump but definitely odd.

To all those reading this, I apologise for being very graphic in my descriptions. I guess I'm just looking for those who may have had similar symptoms which didn't result in anything sinister?? I know everyone is different. And only a Doctor/Specialist can say anything for sure after tests have been done. I'm not looking for any kind of diagnosis or medical advice, just tales of similar experiences/symptoms

Thanks! X

Yep mine hurt more when knocked!

As you said, it's been persistent pain, and you're concerned. I'd expect an ultra sound (prob won't do a mammogram unless they find something as younger people often have dense breasts). I'd expect this even if you were concerned just for peace of mind. And I would do it as soon as possible (but without hysteria as it will most likely be nothing). Good luck

Well, I went back to docs and just got given ANOTHER set of Flucloxacillin, despite there being a lump in my breast and an obvious dark mark on the surface above the lump!!

🤔 take the medication then go back and recap your situation and suggest an ultra sound!! If you can afford it just have it done privately, seems very strange considering how easily I had mine done.

Good luck

Go back before course has finished and tell them you want a referral to the breast clinic and ask how you don't meet criteria? Give them the criteria and point out bloody discharge is sufficient to warrant a referral. Ask for their justification in giving antibiotics. You're going to have to stand your ground on this one. Be insistent unless a reasonable justification can be given.

I've attached our local criteria link below. I suspect nothing sinister but you're not going to have peace of mind and the sinister should be ruled out.

3pnqyl1x5xc33i3yxr1z3uti.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Cancer-Breast-2-Week-Rule-Referral-Guidelines.pdf