Lump in breast- should I wait?

[oberst]

Hello,

I am 35, mother of two. I am still breastfeeding my 2.5 year old, so I am used to mastitis or clogged ducts etc.

I have had a pain for a week now, which I thought would be a blocked duct. But after feeling it a couple of days ago, it just doesn't feel like anything I have felt before.

I don't know if it's relevant but I have also had extremely itchy armpits for a week or so too. I stopped using deodorant to see if it was that but it's still just as bad. Washing daily too, of course.

It feels grisly almost, and long? Not like a golf ball shape that I usually would get if I had a blocked duct.

Should I wait it out and see if it does? I don't wait to waste anyone's time. I am assuming a GP will just put it down to breastfeeding so I am hesitant to make an appointment.

Maybe wait another week? What would you do? Thank you.

I’d see my Gp

Make an appointment asap. From your description no one would think you were wasting a GP's time.

Make an appointment. Explain why.

No, don’t wait. They’ll take a gristly lump seriously and get you investigated. Most likely it’s harmless but it isn’t worth the risk.

I guess if I wasn't breastfeeding then I 100% would make an appointment. I didn't know if I should wait to see if it disappeared, if it was related to a duct.

Thank you.

See your GP asap. You are not "wasting anyone's time" having a breast lump evaluated.

I don't know if I added that it is painful, but more like a bruised feeling. Which is why I thought it was a blocked duct at first. But they usually disappear within a couple of days.

Get an urgent appointment and get it looked at. Don’t leave it. They’d much rather see you to find it is a blocked duct than you leave it to find something else going on.

Never wait. Get it checked.

You never wait, if you detect a lump, even if it were a blocked duct, you make an app't with your GP. Seriously, they would prefer to see you rather than you ignoring it hoping it will go away. Time is important and if it is nothing then you will not have wasted your time and stressed yourself worrying.

Thank you, I will call in the morning; hopefully I'll get through and get an appointment!

Do you know what they will do? I guess have a feel of both breasts?

They should give you an urgent appointment if you say you what you’ve said here. They will examine both breasts and your armpits and may refer you to the breast clinic within two weeks. Breast clinic here is a one stop clinic so you get everything done in one appointment. I hope it turns out to just be a blocked duct.

Thank you; I have just read that they won't do a mammogram as I am still breastfeeding? So, maybe ultrasound?

Also, should I be worried about the itchy armpits? It's both sides though; not just the side with the lump.

They'll definitely refer based on my experience. I too had bruised feeling and pulling feeling and itchy armpits and was referred. I'm not BF. I went to breast clinic and had mammogram and ultrasound and it was thickened tissue and I was given a leaflet on breast pain. Please just get seen

The outcome was thickened tissue for you? Okay, thank you. I will call tomorrow.

GP stated to wait until after my period and to also take antibiotics...

After my period due to the fact it might be fibrocystic breast changes; I'm due on my period in a few days.

Then antibiotics to make sure it's not a clogged duct.

If after my period and antibiotics it's still there, then he will refer.

@oberst I have been to the gp today for a lump in my right breast. I have been transferred to a breast clinic. I am also on my period and that did not seem to mean anything.

I thought I would feel better having taken the first step to see the GP but I am worse. Also told my DH and I feel so guilty for causing him worry.

sorry to jump on. I have never know anxiety like it.

I think we are going to use my private health and just get seen.

Only because like you, I'm so anxious about it and keep googling etc!

My lump is on my right breast, but it's not round it's rather oblong and bumpy. It feels slightly tender when I touch it.

I hope all goes okay and you're not waiting too long

@oberst Yes the thickened tissue was all they found so I was sent on my way. If you can self refer then do it for your own peace of mind. I was a bit of a wreck waiting for the appointment but kept busy with my children and dog walks and old casts and fluffy books

Phew; what a relief for you.

Mine isn't a round lump like a grape or pea. So maybe it is just hormonal. It just is a grisly thick bit, upper right nearest armpit.

Have taken antibiotics and will see what happens over the next few days.

If still there next week I think I'll self refer if I can.

Did the GP see you, OP, or was this just a phone call 'assessment'?

I'm glad you're going to use your insurance. Hopefully you can see somebody that was who will make a proper assessment.

Finally saw the GP. She had a little feel but it wasn’t very thorough, it didn’t last long! She asked if I wanted to go via NHS or if I wanted to use my private healthcare for a breast clinic referral, so I went with the latter. Apparently I’ll be seen within 5 working days after talking with AXA.

This is what the GP wrote today on my form; “On examination there is a mild firm area in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast.” Is it usual for them to say ‘area’ as it’s not a lump per se? It is just a thickening; that’s how I described it to her. Was this a symptom for any of you?

Hopefully hear back with an appointment asap!

Finally saw the GP. She had a little feel but it wasn’t very thorough, it didn’t last long! She asked if I wanted to go via NHS or if I wanted to use my private healthcare for a breast clinic referral, so I went with the latter. Apparently I’ll be seen within 5 working days after talking with AXA.

This is what the GP wrote today on my form; “On examination there is a mild firm area in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast.” Is it usual for them to say ‘area’ as it’s not a lump per se? It is just a thickening; that’s how I described it to her. Was this a symptom for any of you?

Hopefully hear back with an appointment asap!