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17 year old female with two lumps

Poppynom
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This post may sound a bit jumbled but I have never told anyone about this before 

I first found my first lump when I was 11 in a girls changing rooms for a swimming lesson. I have had it ever since. It is in the outer skin around my vagina and all google searches are saying cancer. I am absolutely terrified of the doctors so I always put off getting it checked out because if it is bad then I have put it of so I would feel as though I could have prevented it had I have been more brave.

The next lump I have is just underneath the nipple it’s new been there around a week and it’s small but it was painful to begin with but I am meant to go on the pill for my period because I suffer with really painful cramps and obviously the pill has oestrogen in it. I don’t want to take the pill and make it worse but I also really don’t want to get checked out and find that I have something that I could have prevented had I have just got on with it.

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    Dear Poppy,

    Of course you feel anxious and that is totally normal. However, I recommend that you find it in your heart to trust someone enough to show them what is causing your worries. A problem shared is a problem halved, so try to find a sympathetic GP or a nurse to talk to. You are young, and there are many different things it could be, possibly totally unrelated. Please reach out to get your symptoms checked. Going on the pill will probably help your heavy periods, but best to get checked out before taking hormones.

    Best of luck, and keep us posted if you feel like it. 

  • Hello Poppynom and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you are concerned about your health.

    We are unable to diagnose anyone on the forum. We would always advise anyone who is concerned about symptoms to see their GP. That is what they are there for.

    They are used to seeing all sorts of conditions. A lot of symptoms have a very straightforward explanation and often don't mean a cancer diagnosis.

    The cyst in your vaginal area could be a Bartholin cyst for example particularly as you have had it such a long time. The lump on your breast may also be a harmless cyst.

    We can't tell you though and it is far better to be seen by a GP who will hopefully put your mind at rest.

    Googling never works as it does not replace the GP's knowledge and experience so never rely on the internet.

    You can ask to see a female GP if one is available.

    I hope that you make an appointment soon so you can stop worrying about your symptoms.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    I have looked at that type of cyst online and it just doesn’t match up to what I have. The lump I have is closer to my pubic bone and is at the top of my vagina it is about the size of a 2p coin and can be moved it is squishy and not hard. U cant notice it normally so it isnt a visible lump you can only notice it when u feel the area 

  • in reply to Poppynom

    Hello and thank you for your further post,

    Unfortunately, you cannot make a diagnosis by looking online and we cannot diagnose you. Only a doctor who can assess you and do any necessary tests can give you a diagnosis and say what the cause of the lumps is. It is worth knowing that cancer in this part of the body is rare and would be more rare in someone your age, it typically affects much older women.

    I wondered if you have a friend or a relative who you can confide in who would be able to go to the GP with you.

    I hope you can get some help with this soon,

    Take care,

    Jemma

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