Hi, I'm 31 and have been experiencing a few symptoms that lead me to visit my GP.

- Redness and swelling around my left side nipple
- Purple "mottling" of the left breast
- Pain in my breast
- Lumps and soreness in my armpit

My GP did a breast examination. By the time I saw her, the redness and mottling had gone down but during the examination she said she could feel a lump in my breast (where the purple mottling appears) and in my armpit too. She referred me to the breast clinic.

I've just had the breast clinic apppointment and was expecting to be there for a while to have a physical exam, a discussion, and an ultrasound and/or mammogram.

However, the doctor did an examination of my breasts, told me my armpit skin looked dry (it was my cream deoderant that had left some white bits on the skin), and then asked me about what kind of detergent I use - bio or non bio, as bio could cause a skin rash and she thinks I have sensitive skin.

She said she couldn't feel or see anything, wasn't concerned, and she'd write to my GP to tell them as such.

I know I should feel relieved that she said she's not concerned, but instead I feel confused and like my symtoms weren't taken seriously or investigated as thoroughly as they should be. I was really hoping to get answers. Rule out anything sinister but at least have more information about what's causing my symptoms.

Is this typical of a breast clinic appointment?