Cancer Research UK main site

Difference between a lump and fibrous tissue

Stiltonite7
Offline

I had triple negative breast cancer in 2021 when I was 31. I had chemo, a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, and have been all-clear since. But I've just found this area or 'mass' in the other breast, and now I'm really worried about what it might be. My breasts are quite small and really dense and fibrous-feeling, so it's really hard to tell if something is a true lump. I went for my yearly mammogram in Nov last year, so that won't come around again for some time yet. This doesn't feel like a lump, more like a big clump of mass; I'm sorry for the rubbish description, I'm just trying to convince myself it isn't anything serious!

  • Hello Stiltonite7

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently found a lump in your breast having previously been through treatment for breast cancer. It's understandable that you're feeling worried about what this may be. 

    Have you spoken with your GP or the specialist breast nurse? If not then do give them a call. For your own peace of mind, getting this lump checked as soon as possible is important and hopefully, the breast care team will be able to give you some reassurance when you see them. 

    If you'd like to talk with one of our nurses for some support you can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    Keep in touch Stiltonite7 and let us know how you get on.

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi Jenn,

    Thanks for getting back to me. I rang the Breast Care Nurses, and they've booked me in for a check-up; I got a cancelled appointment for this Friday, which is really good! I know I'm catastrophising, but I can't stop thinking about it. I keep checking the lump and feeling that it's still there; it feels more prominent and harder. I have a backache, so I'm worried that it's spread to my bones, and I keep feeling really full after eating, so now I'm thinking it's spread somewhere in the bowels. I live with my mum, and I'm the only person she has around her, she relies on me for everything, and I can't stop thinking about how she'd cope if I wasn't here. I'm sorry for splurging my thoughts here, I just don't know what else to do. I've convinced myself it is cancer, I'm just so scared. And more than that, I'm so tired of constantly feeling scared and anxious, it's exhausting living like this. I just have to hang on till Friday, I know.

  • Offline in reply to Stiltonite7

    And if it is the cancer returned, the fact that it’s developed in the 2 months since my last mammogram means it’s fast-growing, right? I’m just so scared, feels like I’m going mad

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.