Male with lump behind areola awaiting screening

Hi to anyone who may read this!

I’m a 32 year old male. I recently developed a tender lump around the size of an olive in my left pec behind my nipple.

I reluctantly visited the GP and, upon feeling it himself, referred me for a 2 week screening.

Just wondering if there are any other men out there in a similar circumstance who have been through the screening?

And if so, did they give you a mammogram or go straight to a biopsy?

Any shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

As you can imagine, I’m very nervous and have imagined every worst possible scenario. My son recently turned 1 and my greatest fear is leaving and him not remembering me.

  • I would also like to note I (stupidly) waited around 3 weeks before seeking help and regret that. So if anyone out there is worried about a lump or bump, get it checked out straight away! 

  • Hi, not a male….but hopefully there will be some to give you support soon. Like yourself I waited 4 weeks before visiting my GP, thinking it would go away, also 2 week referral, I have an 8 year and two year old, I only remember a few memories from being 8 let alone 2 so I also worry that they would never remember me, hopefully it will be nothing to worry about and we will both be fine. Good l uck hopefully you get some men replying soon too.

  • Thank you for your kind words. Really hoping for you to get the all clear! It’s so bizarre going from not really thinking about mortality to obsessing about it constantly. I am fully anticipating the results taking a while to come to me too so I know I’ll be anxious for a lot longer than I’d like

  • Hi Oggyjay,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you have found a lump behind your nipple and can understand your anxiety. I am not a male either, although I know that there have been some men on this site, who have had breast cancer. I understand that about 400 men in the UK are diagnosed with this each year. We all tend to let our imaginations run riot with our emotions at this stage and these can take us to some dark places at times.

    You are way ahead of yourself here. Cancer treatments have improved tremendously in the past few years. I lost my mum to breast cancer and I was terrified for my 2 children too. I have since had 2 bouts within a year of each other. It is now 14 years since I was first diagnosed and in that time I have seen them both leave school, go to university, graduate, find gainful employment, marry and provide me with two beautiful granddaughters. I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    Although we  are always advised to get any lump checked out, I doubt that your 3 week delay will make any difference. 

    The answer about a mammogram is that this is down to your consultant. Some men do have a mammogram, but others just have an ultrasound, a blood test and possibly a biopsy. If you have a biopsy, you may have to wait 1-2 weeks to get the results. 

    I hope that your appointment comes through soon, as the unknown is a terrible place to be. Irrespective of the outcome, you will feel better once you know what you are dealing with. I sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found. 

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • I had a txt message from my GP surgery this morning to say I should get my appointment in the next week and be seen within 2, however from what others have said on other threads in preparing for a l ger wait than that. I go on holiday at the end of the month so really hoping I’ve had my appointment by then, if not I suppose on the plus side it will hopefully take my mind off it haha . Keep us i ormed how you get on.

  • Thank you for your kind welcome and words Jolamine. Luckily, my beautiful wife has been really supportive and reassuring. Being the person I am I went on a massive google spree when I found out I’d been referred for screening and read up the statistics and how rare it is in men.

    However, it is difficult to stop the mind from wandering into that dark place. I am trying to take it a day at a time until I find out more. Luckily, I’m at the end of my two week wait tomorrow so will be going into hospital tomorrow afternoon.

    Still apprehensive, but even just knowing that is weirdly reassuring.

    It’s amazing to hear from someone who has been through it and has come through the other end of a diagnosis. My hope is that, if I go through it all myself, I can offer the reassurance you have given me.

    Thanks again.

    Will update tomorrow on how the screening goes xx

  • Please do keep me informed! I’m in for my screening tomorrow afternoon so will let you know the process and how everything goes.

    I have everything crossed that you get your appointment swiftly and you get the all clear soon 

  • Thank you, i hate that i've still got a 2 week wait i cant help but google everything and i know i shouldn't, even though i have already read the same thing over and over again haha. Good luck for tomorrow i will have everything crossed for you. Yes please let me know how you get on.

  • Hi Oggyjay,

    I am glad to hear that your initial wait is nearly over and I hope that all goes well tomorrow, Google is nobody's friend at this stage, as I'm sure you've already discovered. 

    I shall be thinking of you tomorrow an keeping my fingers crossed.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine 

  • Hi Oggyjay,

    I’m having trouble sleeping and just wondered how you got on at your appointment on Friday? I totally understand if you would rather not talk about it but I’m hoping it all went well for you? I now have my appointment on Wednesday morning, so glad I have it but the closer it gets the more anxious I’m getting, most likely why I can’t sleep.

    hope all is well and your mind is at rest!