Lump behind nipple

[Newlywed84]

I've been having pain in my armpit for a while and have just found a large lump behind the nipple on the same side. It's a bit bigger than a pea, and doesn't hurt.

I'm terrified! I have a GP appointment today - can anyone tell me likely next steps? I suffer with severe anxiety (had a breakdown last year) and I'm really worried I'll be referred and have to wait for any confirmation - as I just won't cope!

I have private health, if GP requests further exam how long did you wait to get that? Wondering if I can go to appointment with a plan if they say wait is a long one?

Help please! I have two tiny boys and I'm a single mum - I'm absolutely petrified right now.

@Newlywed84 so sorry to hear this OP. Easier said than done, but try as much as you can not to panic. It could be completely benign, could be a cyst. You mention two tiny boys, are you breastfeeding or recently stopped? It could be mastitis.
In terms of next steps, I think the GP will examine you and unless they can rule out it being something like the above will send you on a referral for a scan or mammogram. This can sometimes be done on an urgent referral, but this is in accordance with NICE guidelines and still doesn’t mean it’s definitely something serious. Waiting is the worst,so well done for getting the GP appointment. Please share your concerns with the GP too.
Good luck OP, sending best wishes that you get seen to quickly and it’s nothing serious.

Hi Op, I have very recently gone through this several times.
You mention you have private healthcare. If it covers you it can be quicker to see them for initial appointment and scans etc. it is very expensive though so probably not an option without insurance. Speaking from experience the worrying can be paralysing and being seen quickly helped me enormously.

With the NHS it depends if your GP will refer without an appointment most will now to avoid a wait etc. At the beast clinic you'll have an examination and probably a scan. Depending on age maybe a mammogram.

Even if they want to do a biopsy it doesn't mean it's cancer. Also they will give you an idea of what it is there and then.

It is terrifying I know but the support is really good regardless of the outcome at the clinics. But the sooner you're seen the better.

Try not to Google x