Armpit lump and firm breast tissue

[watermelonsugar11]

Hi everyone, just looking for a bit of reassurance/ see if anyone else has had a similar story to mine! (Sorry for the long post)

About a year ago I found a lump in my armpit so went and got it checked out- was told it was a cyst and not to worry. Fast forward to last month it felt like It had got a little bit bigger so I went to see a different doctor who said to put it to the back of my mind because it definitely wasn't anything major. For the past few weeks I've been having breast milk coming out my boobs, left one is the worst but it comes out the right too (not breastfeeding, not pregnant and last had a child 3 years ago also didn't breast feed then) so I booked an appointment and was tested for prolactin levels which were fine. Today I've been for an examination in which the doctor said my breasts have "very very firm tissue" in them and said the lump underneath my armpit was also very firm/hard and didn't move much. He has referred me to the breast clinic on a 2 week wait and I'm extremely stressed out! My anxiety is through the roof and have done nothing but cried since! For reference, I'm only 23 so he said I have age on my side but that didn't reassure me in the slightest!!

So sorry you’re going through this. It sounds terrifying. I don’t think anyone here can reassure you it’s nothing ahead of time but do hang on to the words of the doc - you do have age on your side so it is more likely to be benign. It’s going to be a long couple of weeks - do you have good friends and family who can listen to you/ offer diversions etc?

Yeah it really will be a long few weeks! It feels like the days are dragging already.. I have my partner who's doing his best to try support me and take my mind off things so I'm very thankful for him! I think my anxiety is worse because I lost my grandad (who was like a dad to me) in December due to lymphoma cancer and they didn't catch his until it had already spread :(

@watermelonsugar11 I know this post is old but can I ask how you are doing? I have a similar issue

Any updates anyone?

@Abs811 @HasB Hi! So sorry this is so so late.. after an ultrasound I got referred for a biopsy, then I got recalled for another biopsy before I found out it was just a skin cyst!! It was a long few weeks but so happy about the results. I got it removed as well afterwards

@watermelonsugar11 thank you for replying and really pleased that all is OK.

Can I ask about the 'very very firm' breast tissue with the doctor commented on? Could you feel this? And was there any further follow-up on this? My breasts tissue is very firm in both breasts (upper/outer areas) which worries me- is this normal? It sounds silly but I'm not sure what normal breast tissue feels like. Some of mine feels really firm in both breasts but has always been like that (I'm 41)

So my breast tissue was only firm in some areas, that along with the lump was the reason they referred me on the 2 week wait. They came to the conclusion that it was either to do with certain times of the month (hormones fluctuating) or some people just naturally have firmer tissue. If you're concerned in the slightest I would recommend getting yourself checked out at the GP, I was so embarrassed to as was only 23 but it was the best thing I've done!!

As for what "normal" breast tissue feels like, I have no idea i wouldn't want to tell you not to worry about it as I'm not a doctor and everyone's health is different, I wouldn't be drastically concerned about it especially if there's no lumps etc you can feel but maybe just book an appointment?

Thanks @watermelonsugar11 , I have made an appointment which is in 2 weeks (apparently there is nothing earlier!)

My firm tissue is symmetrical in both breasts, upper and outer parts feel very firm (one third of each breast) almost like I can grip the firm bit if that makes sense? Has always been like this. Anyone have anything similar, so I don't panic while I wait for my appointment?!

Yess I can do that as well (grip the firm bits) I honestly wouldn't worry at all!! It's really good that it's symmetrical in both breasts. That would make me feel so much more confident!

Thanks @watermelonsugar11 , it's good to know that, but I never hear of people saying they have firm/hard areas of breast tissue, just that they have hard lumps. Mine isn't like a 'lump', it's shaped flat, like the palm of my hand, about half the size of my hand, in the upper/outer parts of both breast. The botttom/inner part of both my breasts is much more soft.