Slightly worried

Hi,

so over the last four weeks or so I have noticed a slight lump in my right armpit. This lump was found because I had been experiencing pain that travels from my arm pit through my breast and into my nipple. 
didn't think much of it at first as I'm 43 and peri menapausal however the lump is obvious when running hands down two armpits and the pain is daily. 
I am on Humira anti TNF injections fortnightly for existing medical condition and I know this increases my risk of some types of cancer.

I don't want to waste my GP's time in current times so any advice would be appreciated

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I'm afraid we are not able to tell anyone what is the matter (diagnose), so I am afraid I cannot say what could be causing your current symptoms. I think the best thing to do is to make an appointment to see your GP. The GP will assess you or they may decide to refer you to the breast clinic for further assessment.

    At the breast clinic you will see a breast specialist or specialist nurse who will examine you. You will have an ultrasound and possibly a mammogram. A needle biopsy is usually suggested if the scan shows changes in the breast that the doctors are not sure about. This does not mean that anything is particularly wrong but the biopsy will usually confirm what it is.

    Waiting when you are worried is very stressful but the majority of people who are referred to the breast clinic are found not to have breast cancer.

    The organisation Breast Cancer Now has information on what to expect when you’ve been referred to a breast clinic and you can read this information by clicking here. 

    I hope you know more about your situation soon. If you would like to talk this through with one of the nurses directly, you can telephone us on 0808 800 4040.  We are here from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

  • Thank you for your reply Celene,

     

    I do try to avoid using my GP unless absolutely necessary but if you think it is worth having it checked out then I shall request an apt.

    thank you for advice