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Women's health

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Original poster

Breast lump

30 replies

Amae · 12/04/2023 12:54

Hi all,

on Thursday I found a 5p sized lump in my right breast- felt very round and movable, can pinch it between my two fingers and it feels just under the skin- I went and saw my GP who said she thinks it felt like a cyst but would refer me under the 2 week breast referral to be sure as it was quite firm (to me it feels almost rubbery).

Not sure what anyone can say or do to make me feel better but I’m just out of my mind with worry. I’m 31 next month and keep looking at my daughter thinking about all the ‘what ifs’ - I have got myself into a state.

Any words of wisdom would be hugely appreciated right now ❤️

OP posts:
Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 13:00

Should also have added it’s on my right boob and just below the nipple

OP posts:
bondsy · 12/04/2023 13:04

Hi.
I'm early 30s too and last week I had a breast consultation for the same and it turned out to be a cyst!

Do you have breast cancer in your family? From what I understand it is very rare to get breast cancer at our age unless an immediate sister or mum has had it.

Cric · 12/04/2023 13:05

I am sending a big big hug.
I had nipple discharge and was quite relaxed about it, referred to the clinic. They did a scan and found a something which needed a biopsy.... at the point I went into mega panic mode! Did the same thing with the children and had all the worst case scenarios going around my head.
Thankfully it all came back clear. The breast clinic were amazing and super on it. A massive % of biopsy's come back clear and so statistically that is the most likely outcome.
Sending a big hug and wishing your super positive vibes

Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 13:09

Thanks for your reply! No, no breast cancer runs in my family thankfully. Out of interest, what did your cyst feel like? Glad it’s all sorted for you now! Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 13:11

Cric · 12/04/2023 13:05

I am sending a big big hug.
I had nipple discharge and was quite relaxed about it, referred to the clinic. They did a scan and found a something which needed a biopsy.... at the point I went into mega panic mode! Did the same thing with the children and had all the worst case scenarios going around my head.
Thankfully it all came back clear. The breast clinic were amazing and super on it. A massive % of biopsy's come back clear and so statistically that is the most likely outcome.
Sending a big hug and wishing your super positive vibes

So glad it’s all okay! The panic is something else isnt it. I keep thinking if it was just me I wouldn’t have dealt with this anywhere near as bad but thinking about my daughter makes me an emotional wreck. The waiting is just the hardest part but then you so much for your lovely words! Xxx

OP posts:
Cric · 12/04/2023 13:20

Make sure you get a good night sleep ... I couldn't sleep for a few days but the emotional difference it made once I managed to sleep was big!

Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 13:23

Cric · 12/04/2023 13:20

Make sure you get a good night sleep ... I couldn't sleep for a few days but the emotional difference it made once I managed to sleep was big!

Thanks my lovely I really will try. ❤️❤️

OP posts:
Wheresthebeach · 12/04/2023 13:27

It's very likely a cyst. I've had lots, and biopsies, and bits cut out due to dense breast tissue. All clear (they are probably over cautious on testing me as mum, aunt and grandmother all had breast cancer). It's worrying, but its good you found it and it's being looked at. Try not to torture yourself with terrible scenarios. It's easy to do, but won't help. Keep busy is all I can recommend. Hugs

6namechang3 · 12/04/2023 13:29

I had several cysts, they all felt smooth and movable. I got referred on the two week protocol. They stuck a needle in one to drain it and left the other two alone. Got the all clear. 10 years later had my first mammogram, one of cysts was definitely still there as I could feel it but no changes. Just had the all clear from the mammogram too. It feels good to get these things checked out .

bondsy · 12/04/2023 13:29

Mine felt like like a hard pea and moves when I move it. I also find it easier to feel if I raise my arm. That breast is also a little lumpy in texture, which turns out is because I am very cysty and have loads of little cysts, although the one I could feel is the only big one. I didn't know this until the appointment.

They diagnosed it through ultrasound. The scanner showed me the screen and explained that they know it is a cysts as it shows up as black on the ultrasound.

I know how worrying it is. But try and find comfort in the stats. If you google, breast cancer incidence by age is low at our age. www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer/incidence-invasive#heading-One

So the odds would point to a cyst (although I totally get the worrying and how important it is to get checked out to be sure!).

Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 13:31

Wheresthebeach · 12/04/2023 13:27

It's very likely a cyst. I've had lots, and biopsies, and bits cut out due to dense breast tissue. All clear (they are probably over cautious on testing me as mum, aunt and grandmother all had breast cancer). It's worrying, but its good you found it and it's being looked at. Try not to torture yourself with terrible scenarios. It's easy to do, but won't help. Keep busy is all I can recommend. Hugs

Thank you ❤️ Glad yours have all been okay! She did tell me that, in her opinion, I had nothing to worry about which seemed to do the trick for about 4 days but the worry has been creeping back in the longer it goes on. I have been desperately searching for ‘answers’ on bloody google which I know is never going to end well but it’s that vicious cycle of being worried and looking for some kind of comfort. Mumsnet seems to have been the most comforting place so far so thank you 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 13:38

6namechang3 · 12/04/2023 13:29

I had several cysts, they all felt smooth and movable. I got referred on the two week protocol. They stuck a needle in one to drain it and left the other two alone. Got the all clear. 10 years later had my first mammogram, one of cysts was definitely still there as I could feel it but no changes. Just had the all clear from the mammogram too. It feels good to get these things checked out .

So glad everything was okay for you and yes it’s good to just know that it’s all okay and to also know what is typical for you and your boobs! Thanks so much xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 13:42

bondsy · 12/04/2023 13:29

Mine felt like like a hard pea and moves when I move it. I also find it easier to feel if I raise my arm. That breast is also a little lumpy in texture, which turns out is because I am very cysty and have loads of little cysts, although the one I could feel is the only big one. I didn't know this until the appointment.

They diagnosed it through ultrasound. The scanner showed me the screen and explained that they know it is a cysts as it shows up as black on the ultrasound.

I know how worrying it is. But try and find comfort in the stats. If you google, breast cancer incidence by age is low at our age. www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer/incidence-invasive#heading-One

So the odds would point to a cyst (although I totally get the worrying and how important it is to get checked out to be sure!).

Yes a hard pea is exactly how mine feels and very movable almost like I just am pushing it along under the skin. When the gp was checking my boobs she did say one had no lumps but she could feel other lumps in my right breast (where the main lump I’m worried about is) but those lumps have always been there so I’m really hoping it’s a similar outcome to yours and just have one side more prone to lumps/cysts than the other. She did say some people can just be ‘cyst-y’ people.

either way it will be good for me to know that tomorrow going forward!

thanks so much for all your comforting replies, they have certainly helped. Xxx

OP posts:
Cotswoldmama · 12/04/2023 13:56

I've been to the breast clinic twice now and had lumps in between, mine have all been cysts. I have had quite a few now so I know how they feel and usually give them a month or two before seeing a gp now as they usually disappear by themselves. When I last went I had an ultrasound and I asked her to look in the areas I had previously found lumps in and she said she could see lots of tiny cysts there so that was why I kept getting them. It's always worth getting checked and it's true that more often than not it's something completely benign. Hope you don't have long to wait for your referral x

Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 15:06

Cotswoldmama · 12/04/2023 13:56

I've been to the breast clinic twice now and had lumps in between, mine have all been cysts. I have had quite a few now so I know how they feel and usually give them a month or two before seeing a gp now as they usually disappear by themselves. When I last went I had an ultrasound and I asked her to look in the areas I had previously found lumps in and she said she could see lots of tiny cysts there so that was why I kept getting them. It's always worth getting checked and it's true that more often than not it's something completely benign. Hope you don't have long to wait for your referral x

Thanks for your reassuring reply! Out of interest, when did you first notice a cyst? I feel like I can’t believe it’s a cyst after getting to 31 and never having them before. x

OP posts:
Redstopgreengo · 12/04/2023 15:14

I was in the breast clinic yesterday afternoon finding a lump last week. Just like you I'm early 30s and kept looking at my kids and getting worked up. The only thing that kept me calm was distraction, my house has never been so clean! It turned out to be nothing (as 9 out of 10 referrals do) but the waiting was the worst. It will all be OK. As another poster said to me, if you are that 1 in 10 then it's very treatable. You'll have a shit time of it for a while and then be able to get on with your life. You've done the right thing checking and being seeing.

Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 15:31

Redstopgreengo · 12/04/2023 15:14

I was in the breast clinic yesterday afternoon finding a lump last week. Just like you I'm early 30s and kept looking at my kids and getting worked up. The only thing that kept me calm was distraction, my house has never been so clean! It turned out to be nothing (as 9 out of 10 referrals do) but the waiting was the worst. It will all be OK. As another poster said to me, if you are that 1 in 10 then it's very treatable. You'll have a shit time of it for a while and then be able to get on with your life. You've done the right thing checking and being seeing.

Thanks for your reapply, so glad everything turned out okay! And completely agree about the keeping busy party, luckily as it’s Easter holidays I’ve not had too much time to sit and stress (but seem to have done a pretty get job of it regardless). What did yours end up being if you don’t mind me asking? Xx

OP posts:
Redstopgreengo · 12/04/2023 15:37

Amae · 12/04/2023 15:31

Thanks for your reapply, so glad everything turned out okay! And completely agree about the keeping busy party, luckily as it’s Easter holidays I’ve not had too much time to sit and stress (but seem to have done a pretty get job of it regardless). What did yours end up being if you don’t mind me asking? Xx

Show quote history

It turned out to just be dense tissue, not even a cyst or anything. They were surprised because they could feel it with the ultrasound scanner thing but couldn't see a thing. I just have lumpy boobs now apparently 🤷‍♀️.

Redstopgreengo · 12/04/2023 15:38

She also told me to check on day 10 of your cycle as hormones have levelled by then and you'll get the most accurate picture of what's going on in there.

Cotswoldmama · 12/04/2023 16:27

I got my first one June 2020 in lockdown when I was 36. I noticed it because my breasts were really tender as my period was due. I spoke to a doctor who reassured me it was probably a cyst as it was really sore and could be related to my period. That one disappeared about a week after my period came. I then got another about a year later and it didn't feel tender at all this time. I waited to make sure it didn't go after having a period and it didn't so I had a two week referral. By the time the day came it seemed to have shrunk but I could still feel it so I still went to the appointment for reassurance. The doctor could feel it and reassured me that she was sure it was a cyst and that cysts can sort of inflate and deflate. And basically come back if I'm worried and it doesn't completely go away. After these experiences I became a bit more laid back about cysts and I have had a few that have come and gone. I had another 2 week referral last October as I had found another lump that didn't disappear after a couple of months. This one felt a bit bigger. This time the doctor did an ultrasound scan and said it was definitely a cyst and I had the option to have it drained but I didn't as there's no guarantee it won't just fill up again and it's not causing any pain, I can still just about feel it but it's shrunk down a lot. It felt reassuring to know what it was and she then looked at the other areas I've felt lumps in the past and could see a lot of small cysts in those areas. She was really lovely and said to always get anything checked and it's not wasting anyone's time.

DinkyDaisy · 12/04/2023 16:50

I am mid fifties and went to the Breast Clinic today as palpable lump on right breast (and on hrt). The waiting is the absolute worst as everyone will tell you.
Had a mammogram which looked the same as one I had about 18 months ago. So, breast exam and pen circle round offending lump. Then ultrasound. Looks like cyst doctor said. However did aspirate it to check fluid came out. It did. Thick fluid but definitely a cyst. Asked if I should come off hrt but not a contraindication of cysts apparently though might make me more prone to them. Something I will think about.
Anyway, my lump sounds similar to yours.
Good luck tomorrow.
I am sitting lazily now with a blanket on and a cat on my feet and a little round plaster on my breast.
Breast Clinic people lovely. Keep us posted. Xx

Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 19:32

Redstopgreengo · 12/04/2023 15:37

It turned out to just be dense tissue, not even a cyst or anything. They were surprised because they could feel it with the ultrasound scanner thing but couldn't see a thing. I just have lumpy boobs now apparently 🤷‍♀️.

Show quote history

Ah I see! Goes to show how all these lumps can be bloody anything! Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Amae · 12/04/2023 19:36

DinkyDaisy · 12/04/2023 16:50

I am mid fifties and went to the Breast Clinic today as palpable lump on right breast (and on hrt). The waiting is the absolute worst as everyone will tell you.
Had a mammogram which looked the same as one I had about 18 months ago. So, breast exam and pen circle round offending lump. Then ultrasound. Looks like cyst doctor said. However did aspirate it to check fluid came out. It did. Thick fluid but definitely a cyst. Asked if I should come off hrt but not a contraindication of cysts apparently though might make me more prone to them. Something I will think about.
Anyway, my lump sounds similar to yours.
Good luck tomorrow.
I am sitting lazily now with a blanket on and a cat on my feet and a little round plaster on my breast.
Breast Clinic people lovely. Keep us posted. Xx

Yes I’ve heard cysts are common with HRT but as long as you (and the professionals) don’t feel they are doing harm then you may aswell carry on!

I had a call earlier and they’ve booked me in for my screening tomorrow ( I said I was willing to travel further) at 10.15 so I will make sure I keep you all updated.

thank you so much for the replies it has really helped me immensely. Xxx

OP posts:
bondsy · 12/04/2023 20:35

Hope it goes well tomorrow @Amae

Namaste6 · 12/04/2023 21:16

Hi Op. hope you're feeling ok this evening and not too worried or anxious about tomorrow. I wanted to let you know that I've been referred to the breast clinic 3 times in the past 20 years. Each time with a firm, smooth, rubbery, moveable lump and each time they've turned out to be either a fatty lump, a cyst, or an inflamed, blocked duct. I have a feeling this will work out as a duct issue for you, considering its proximity to your nipple.

Get a good nights rest and let us know how you get on. Wishing you well. 🙏