Cancer Research UK main site

Lumpy breasts - breast cancer ?

Olivia_98
Offline

Hi all,

Looking for some reassurance or just to meet anyone in a similar circumstance!

I am 24F. Today I went to the GP to have my breasts examined as I felt that my left breast felt heavier and felt an ache when I pressed on a certain side of the breast. My left breast is also larger than the right but I believe it's always been like this. I didn't notice any lumps before but the GP noticed that there were lumps in both of my breasts which has taken me by surprise. I believe she said they were similar lumps but I had no idea they were even there. Are lumpy breasts normal? I am not sure if it is my normal as I only recently started examining my breasts, which is silly of my and something I will be aware of for the future to keep examining them. 

I am very very worried. I have been referred to the breast clinic under the 2 week wait but I am really scared and not sure what to think. The GP said she isn't worried and is more doing it so that I have a peace of mind but I am just really worried they will find something sinister. Especially as I have also had shoulder pain in the left arm as well so I am scared if I did have breast cancer and that it has spread already. 

I am just very anxious and not sure who to talk to right now. Thank you for any help or reassurances anyone can give xx

 

  • Offline

    Hiya first off totally get the fear etc I was in this position and had my appointment yesterday thankfully all fine lumpy breasts are common and doesn't necessarily mean cancer but always good to gwt anything checked definitely start checking your breasts once a month to gwt to know your boobies the likely hood is your fine and they are just cysts try to keep busy no googling that's the worst always gives you worse case scenario at the clinic you will see doctor have some questions asked an examination then they will decide on ultrasound scan or mammogram or both dont be concerned if that's the case they just being very thorough take a book or earphones as it can be a long wait I am sure you will be fine keep us updated x

  • Offline

    Hi!!

    Firstly - I'm glad you went and got checked as any lump/bumps or pain should always be investigated. 
     

    Secondly - lumpy breasts (especially if both) is very rarely breast cancer! Breast tissue is actually generally very lumpy/fibrous, I have one that is lumpy and becomes painful as certain times of the month, but is completely normal.

     

    hope your appointment goes well x

  • Offline in reply to Anxiousnelly

    Hi AnxiousNelly,

    Thanks so much for your response. Really glad to hear that your results are all good!! Did you have lumps in your breasts also? Definitely going to start checking my breasts more often now to get more familiar with what is normal for me. I was wondering if you had any breast heaviness as well? Thank you so much for your reassurances. Really hoping everything will be okay but a bit worried since there's always that chance that everything won't be. Will keep you updated. xx

  • Offline in reply to pharmy4

    Hi Pharmy4,

    Thanks so much for your response. Do you have a few lumps in each breast also? I am still trying to figure out what is normal, especially for me. But I will definitely try to examine myself more often from now on to understand what is normal. I was wondering if you ever had any breast heaviness as well? I have it more on the left with a bit of tenderness. The GP said it's probably due to breast asymmetry and just that the left is bigger but not sure if that is completely normal or not! Thank you again for your reassurances, really appreciate it xx

  • Offline in reply to Olivia_98

    I can feel lumps but the doctor couldn't but felt lumpy breast tissue if I'm honest my boobs always feel heavy yes there is always that chance I suppose but more often than not you will get told all is fine xx

  • Offline

    After visiting my doctor because of pain in my breast, arm and shoulder, she examined me and said I had lumpy breasts, I have been fast tracked to Breast Clinic under the 2 week rule.  I had breast cancer about 12 years ago, which I believe was mucinous type breast cancer, this has a good prognosis, but I don't remember any pain in my breasts!! However, because of having a lumpectomy and consequently scar tissue I can't really tell if the breast has strange lumps or not, but I am stressed and wish the wait wasn't so long.  I do think Olivia that our imaginations worked overtime though, and many women have lumps in their breasts, I'm sure you will be fine!!

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.