Lump in breast and 2 weeks wait to see a GP

Hello,

I found a hard pea sized lump in my breast and called the Dr today to get an appointment. I noticed the lump about 2 weeks ago. Initially the receptionist tried to get me an appointment asap but the earliest time was for Monday. She said she would speak to the locum Dr to get some advice. She called back to say I should wait another 2 weeks as it could be hormonal changes in the breast. Is this right? I'm 36, never noticed a lump before and feel like I'm being Palmed off because they are busy... any advice? 

  • One thing i have learned with lumps over the last month, don't take no for an answer unless they can prove it's something non-concerning. The only way they can do that is to allow a specialist to look at it. They told my wife something similar to yourself.  Her turned out to be the big C. However, the odds are heavily stacked in your favour that it is indeed nothing. So don't freak. 

    Let them prove it's hormonal. In the grand scheme of things, 2 weeks isn't gonna make a difference, but by the same token, lumps in the breast should be seen in person and not just brushed off in the hope you'll never need to contact them again. I could see their 2 week thing if it was in the neck.  you know, the usual places things spring up if you have a wee virus or even a wee infection going on, but a lump in the breast, testicle, armpit etc should be seen and not just a wait and see when they've not even afforded you the courtesy of an in person appointment. I'd call them back and insist on an appointment.  Just remind them the guidelines state breast lumps need to be checked out and doesn't mention a wait and see approach. It doesn't even need to be a gp.  a nurse could do it.  It was a nurse who fast tracked my wife.

  • Hello and thank you posting.

    It isn't unusual for doctors to want to see whether lumps are linked to hormonal changes within a cycle, but this normally comes from the Doctor and more often once they have made their initial assessment. This link explains who would normally then get a referral to a specialist.

    I think calling them back and explaining that this lump has already been present for 2 weeks and you've never normally had these sorts of breast problems is appropriate. 

    Unfortunately the system as a whole is under strain at the moment, but I don't think this means they would adjust their advice to suit the situation.

    Take care, and I hope this gets sorted out for you soon..

    Sarah.