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Urgent referral to breast clinic for armpit lump

Momtothree
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Hi, I’m 37 and generally fit and well. I went to see my GP yesterday regarding a lower back pain. When I was there I mentioned a lump on my left armpit which in all honesty I wondered if it was even a lump at all, I thought maybe a lymph node. The dr seemed concerned and advised she would refer me for an urgent ultrasound as she hadn’t felt anything like it before. On leaving the surgery the doctor called me and advised she was in fact making me an urgent referral to the breast cancer clinic. They have called me today with an appointment on 23rd Feb and now I’m starting to worry! Does this mean the dr suspects breast cancer? 

I actually felt silly mentioning it as it’s not always easy to feel , it’s more like a hard mound and not like a pea or marbel as I have read. It is tender to touch and I have a very faint burning /tingling sensation in the left breast. Also both breasts feel tender (like hormonal tender) 

Has anyone else experienced something similar and what was the outcome?

Thanks

  • Hi Momtothree,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand this is concerning and I know it's never easy waiting for appointments and more information. The doctor may not necessarily suspect one thing or another, but the referral appointment will be to get answers and rule things out. If you'd like some information about what to expect at the appointment, please have a look at this page.

    Try to avoid touching the area if you can, as this will likely make it more tender.

    I'm sure there will be others here who have experienced something similar, so hopefully you'll get some more replies here soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Momtothree,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    As our moderator, Ben, has already said, "The doctor may not necessarily suspect one thing or another, but the referral appointment will be to get answers and rule things out". Many people panic when they are advised that they are being sent for an urgent referral, but this is the normal way of referring someone to the breast clinic. This means that you should get an appointment through within about 2 weeks. It is a fact that, out of all those who attend the breast clinic, only 20% will get a cancer diagnosis. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, fibroadenoma or due to hormonal changes. It is impossible to tell what the cause of your symptoms are until you have some tests carried out at the clinic. The usual tests are a mammogram, an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. If you need a biopsy, it can take 1-2 weeks to get the results back.

    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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