Lump description

Hi ladies, I'm very new to all of this and had a few questions... thought this was the best place to start! I am 44 and I have a 'lump' in the upper outer quadrant of my left breast, next to my armpit, almost going in to my armpit. There feels like lots of bits to it. I don't feel anything like that in the other breast. 
The lump I am feeling feels hard, but squishy if that makes sense. It's movable, I think, and has a bumpy surface. I wouldn't say it is smooth and round. It is completely painless, however I have the occasional intermittent dull ache which appears, unlike the tenderness before my period.  
Two years ago I had this same lump, only smaller. So whatever it is it's been there a while. My doctor was able to feel the lump and referred me. The breast clinic wasn't a great experience. The consultant couldn't even feel the lump and I only had the one breast scanned plus I had a mammo... nothing was seen. They were very dismissive and said I was a healthy woman. That was it. 
My mum has had breast cancer three times and is now being treated for stage 4. 
I know the 'movable, not rock hard, lumps suggest benign, so my questions are, has anyone had a squishy, movable lump that turned out to be a cancer diagnosis. 
And also did anyone have a lump that had been there for a while, or had not been picked up on either mammogram or ultrasound. 
I am reluctant to go to the doctor now, my health centre isn't great and I am thinking it's probably only fatty breast tissue anyway if nothing was seen when I was screened.  
Sorry for the long message! X
 

  • Hello Mouse1620

    I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with some concerns about a breast lump at the moment. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious particularly as your Mum has breast cancer. 

    I know you've said you're reluctant to speak to your GP but I certainly think it's worth talking to them about the changes that you've noticed. If this is normal breast tissue they should be able to give you some reassurance but if they feel it needs to be looked at further then they can arrange a referral to breast clinic. 

    If you'd like to have a chat with one of our nurses for some support and advice ahead of speaking to your GP you're most welcome to give them a call. They're available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thank you for replying Jenn. That's helpful. 

  • Hello Mouse.  I am 77 years old diagnosed on 17th Feb this year with HER2 pos. breast cancer in left breast. Invasive Ductul.  2 tumours with small 4mm gap between, the total. cancerous area 40mm.

    I had a mammogram in 2018 when all was well.  However Xmas last I felt  slightly more lumpy behind an old scar close to my left nipple where I had a benign lump removed when I was in my mid 30s. Apparently there is an association between benign lumps and cancer at a later stage.  As my mum died of breast cancer age 64 (she libved with it for 7 years) and her sister died of it too, I felt I had no option but to ask for a referral to my local Breast Clinic (via G.P.)  So on the 17th Feb I attended and had a mammogram followed by ultrasound on both breasts, where these two tumours were found, and  biopsed.  Right breast O.K.Results followed with my diagnosis as above.  I am currently on 3 cycles of EC (21 days between each cycle) followed by 3 cycles of  docetal, herceptin and pertuzumab.  The standard route to shrink the tumours to a size that allows for removal and to conserve my breast.  Herceptin appears to be an amazing drug for my type of cancer, so am keeping fingers crossed.

    I know I am much older than you and have had a good run!!!  The message I am trying to get across is.  Do pursue your own instincts.  My lump too was squishy, but not completely moveable.  Also as I have large breasts and  it could be hard to find, I had to lay at a certain angle for the doctor to initially feel it. He did in the end though. It worried me for a few weeks prior to asking for my G.P's referral. to the Clinic.  as I was thinking , is it my imagination?  Is it now a bit bigger than last week? etc.etc.  But I came to the conclusion with my family history of breast cancer that I needed to logically attack the problem asap.  They told me at the clinic that it was a good thing I had come when I did.  I am either a grade I or Grade II at the moment, depending on lymph node involvement determined at a later date.  I feel I have had excellent treatment and care with a fast response by the NHS.  Best of luck, let me know how you get on.  Hope this essay helps.

     

     

    Sorry 

  • Thank you for your response Tamglar13. No need to apologise for the essay, it was a really helpful one!
    I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I hope you have good support around you. It sounds like you've had really great treatment so far, and fingers crossed your tumours shrink with the drugs you are on. 
    I am unsure as to what specific drugs my mum is on, however when she was last diagnosed, she was put on a new drug... her consultant said she'd probably get about 18 months on it before needing to change to another. She however responded really well and was on it a good 3 years, until now where she's going to be moved onto something else. There are some amazing new drugs coming out all the time, which can give people hope. 
    I too worry my lump is nothing but fatty breast tissue and am I imagining lumps, but you're right in that we know our bodies and should trust our instincts. My lump also isn't easily felt lying down, but better sitting up or lying on my side. 
    I will make an appointment and get it checked out. I will keep you posted and at the same time wish you all the best. X