A bit scared... are there any GPs on this forum?

[EmilyRosiEl]

Hi,
A week and a half ago I noticed a red spot that is about the size of an acne spot on my left breast. I'm not sure how long it has been there as only noticed when I looked in the mirror and it's not in an easily visible spot without a mirror.

I'm 30 and have not yet had kids.

I'm freaked out that this could be IBC but have a condition that makes going to the GP difficult.

I just want some reassurance really or alternatively to know what to ask the GP if I do have to see one!

Sounds like a pimple. Is it itchy? Has it changed in the 10 days since you found it?

Could be thrush/fungal/yeast infection, I have just been to dr for the same thing. Got a tube of canesten cream prescribed. You do need to make an appointment to have it checked though. I thought IBC too and was quite worried for nothing.

The fact that you use IBC as an acronymn suggests that you work in a medical capacity in some shape or form. If so, you will know the only way to get reassurance of your concerns. You also know that you have more knowledge about medical conditions than most, which means you are more likely to jump to worrying conclusions than the average person. Most of us would think - it's a spot. You think IBC!

I do sympathise. You know that there is a very very outside chance that it is something serious, but I am a catastrophiser too - so any lump or bump has me worrying about cancer; a headache can be a tumour; hot weather is world threatening climate change etc etc.

Is your condition which stops you going to the gp anxiety related? If so, you need to gently reassure yourself that you are already feeling anxious at home and that biting the bullet and getting this checked by a gp is really the only way to alleviate your anxiety about the spot. If so, can you take someone with you to the gp to help? And/or can you discuss with your gp how to better manage your fear of visits? (If your condition which stops you going to the gp is mobility related, rather than anxiety related, that advice still applies.)

Best of luck and do remember that it is very very very unlikely to be IBC. And on the tiny chance that it is, the sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated.

Thanks Maursh, Aloevera and Notverygrownup.

Maursh, It doesn't look like a pimple- more like a few blood vessels, visible in a small round patch- I was really hoping it was a pimple.

Aloevera, so glad to hear you don't have IBC- it's such a huge worry before being checked though isn''t it? I do have a yeast infection under my bust but this red dot is more bright red I think. I don't have peau d'orange but did notice another reddish mark last night and massively freaked out. I think I'll just have to get it checked.

Notverygrownup, thanks for your help! I don't work in healthcare but my Mum had a similar scare last year (it turned out she had cellulitis and an abscess) but mine is slightly different. My inability to visit the GP is anxiety related (severe OCD, emetophobia and fear of contracting viruses- silly I know) and I haven't seen a GP for three years but I'll just have to face it and go with someone. I think I'll book an appointment today!

Does it look like a Campbell de Morgan red spot? I've got one and have been reassured over and over that they are harmless.

Hi Tighnabruaich,

I don't think it does but my Mum did think it could be one- it's paler though. Today i noticed my other breast is looking redder and larger so God knows if it's possible to have cancer on both sides at diagnosis or whether I'm just panicking really. I am beside myself with fear at the moment.

Our GP practice is also dreadful so I either have to see a paramedic at the Practice tomorrow (weird new system at our practice where you see a trained paramedic for urgent concerns) or get someone to queue up at the GP practice and see if they can get an appointment on Thursday or Friday morning :(

I have lots of these red spots, i am sure they are harmless, but i am older than you and they are quite common general i think,they pop up everywhere
Does it look something like a blood blister but obviously not a blister?
I hope its nothing serious, but always best to check

Thanks Princesstiasmum, sorry just realized I forgot to reply.

They're not exactly like blood blisters and I've now got a referral to see a breast surgeon for an ultrasound and possibly biopsy as there are other changes to my bust that need to be checked out.