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Dimple on breast

Julybaby29
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Hello! This is my first post and no way am I looking for a diagnosis, just some advice if possible. I recently went to the doctors around 3 weeks ago, because I have noticed that when I lift my arms, my left breast has a vertical dimple (dip?) which is visible when looking down at my chest. At first I didn’t really worry about it but my fiancé told me to go and check it out because It was very different for me. I was examined by a doctor, who told me that they cannot see anything themselves (despite not looking where I told them I could see it), and simply just said because I’m young (21) I shouldn’t be worried. I couldn’t help but just feel a bit binned off? The appointment was probably not even 5 minutes, and I wasn’t even allowed to ask any questions, was just told if it’s still there in a few weeks and I’m worried then go back. I’ve tried to feel myself but I’m not 100% sure what is normal and what isn’t as I can feel lumps but I thought this was normal? My question is really, should I even go back, I feel like It will just be a wasted appointment and I’ll just be shut down again? Thanks in advance for any input x 

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    Hello Julybaby29, 

    You did well to go to the doctor's after you noticed this vertical dimple when you lift your arms. Your fiance gave you very good advice: if something feels different to you it's good to go and get it checked out even if it seems trivial or insignificant. Because you feel your doctor did not examine you properly and you didn't feel taken very seriously, it would be a good idea to go back but to seek a second opinion and ask to see a different GP. It won't be a wasted appointment as if this GP tells you the same thing then you can be more reassured that it is nothing to worry about. You can find out more about getting a second opinion on this page. 

    I also hope that you will hear from other members of our community who have been in a similar position before and that they will come along, say hello and share their story with you. 

    Fingers crossed you manage to speak to someone soon about this and you get the reassurance you need. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Hi , I would go back and get it checked for peace of mind . At your age it’s not likely to be anything but in my humble opinion best to get checked x

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    Hi There,

    I’m sorry you’re going through this it’s an extremely stressful situation to be in. I am in the same boat as you currently. I’m 22 years old and have noticed on my left breast when I lift my arms above my head I have a vertical indentation- almost looks like the skin is being tugged.I went to my GP and she assured me there were no lumps however can see what I meant- I struggle as being younger and having dense breasts everything feels lumpy and bumpy to me I’m not sure what I need to be concerned about or not. She thought possibly it could just be where I had gained weight and now there is more strain on my breasts. She didn’t think it was anything sinister however after recommending anti-inflammatory cream and telling me to come back after 2 weeks if it did not resolve (it didn’t) I have now been referred to the breast clinic and am waiting for my appointment date. 

    My advice is anything that is not normal to you then be pushy with them, ask for a second opinion, certainly if it’s still worrying you. I feel they are quick to brush me off as I am young and it almost always is never cancer but any change in your breast is worth getting looked at. You know your body better than anybody. I found it helps to take pictures of what I was seeing myself as it can appear different in different lightings. 

    I had to be referred to the breast clinic last year for issues with my other breast and it brings you so much peace of mind just to get it checked over x

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    Hi there, 

    I had a similar experience to you the first time I went to see the GP about a lump in my breast, I was also 21 at the time and she was very dismissive of my concerned and like you, told me to come back if it was still there. I didn’t go back until a couple of months later because I was worried I would get told the same thing but the next time I went back the gp referred me urgently to the breast clinic.

    If something is worrying you then I’d recommend going back and being persistent, I wasn’t and I spent months worrying when I didn’t need to so please learn from my mistake, it’s never a good idea to chance these things I’ve come to learn. A lot of breast concerns in younger women tend to be benign things but it’s always worth getting them checked out just in case x

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