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Increasing pain in armpits, a strange gap and tiny hard bump in breast

Phoenix2410
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Hi I have recently found this website whilst searching for some answers. Back in August I had a very sore left nipple and slight achey feeling in that armpit so had a quick feel for any lumps and thought I could feel hardness in certain areas. It was like long hard bits felt a bit like when my milk ducts were bursting during breastfeeding and one particular hard one directly behind my nipple. I told GP who said if still bothering you in a week come back and we will examine you with the lady GP. I did go back as armpits were both starting to hurt and could still feel hardness but pain in nipple was fading. GP did examine and she just said couldn't feel anything and hardness was breast muscle. Since then I've got increasing pains in my armpits and had a couple of red rashes which have come on quickly then faded away overnight. I have also had aching along my collarbone and swollen glands in neck. Had some shooting pains from armpit to my nipple this week so had another feel and have now found a tiny lump in that breast in the upper quadrant and next to it when I put arms in air its like a strange gap, not sure how to describe it looks a bit like a wide stretch mark but white so a dip I guess. I went to GP today he couldn't feel the bump even though I could and my partner and can put my finger straight on it now but he was concerned about the gap so has referred me as a two week wait to breast clinic. Has anyone else been referred because of a gap (not sure how to describe it) and if so what was the outcome? The most concerning for me has been the armpit pain it's getting quite frequent like a heavy achey feeling and colllarbone pains. Thank you for any help I'm trying to avoid Dr Google and sorry for long post xx

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    Hello Phoenix2410, 

    You did well to go to the GP and it's good that they are being thorough and have referred you because of this gap. I hope that you will hear from other members of our community who have been referred because of a similar gap and that they will share the outcome with you shortly. You're absolutely right not to confide in Dr Google or you will only get the worst possible scenario with not an ounce of scientific reliability so keep well away from the temptation to look things up online. I hope it won't be too long now before your appointment at the breast clinic and that you will get the answers you need. When you are seen at the breast clinic, make sure you mention the armpit pain and collarbone pains or flag this with your GP if you haven't done so already. 

    I thought I would also share with you this information from Breast Cancer Now on what to expect at a breast clinic appointment which will help you prepare for your appointment. If you have any questions, our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

    Keeping everything crossed for you that it all goes well and it turns out to be nothing of concern. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator 

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    Hi Phoenix,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.


    I am glad to hear that your GP has referred you to the breast clinic, just to be sure. Have you had your appointment through yet? This is always a worrying time, but you have done the right thing by getting it investigated. You are quite right to avoid consulting Dr Google, although it is always tempting to do so.

    80% of people who attend the breast clinic do not have breast cancer, so here's hoping that you'll be one of these.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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