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Lumpy breast but how lumpy is enough to go to your GP

Crispynoodles772
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I’m an avid checker of my breasts since my mum has had two benign breast lumps in the past and she’s not long had the all clear from a rare type of ovarian cancer which resulted in a full hysterectomy. I’m not sure if this just makes me more paranoid, so I don’t want to go to the drs to be told it’s just normal. I’ve been feeling more lumps and bumps under and around my left nipple for the past maybe month, some under the breast towards the middle near the cleavage too. However they’re not there every time I check but when they are there they are always in and around the same areas. Now I know some lumps and bumps are normal but I’m positive I didn’t have these ones previously. So I don’t know if it’s just me being silly. I also have no idea how to explain any of this to my GP. I’m worried I’ll go and the lumps won’t be there so I’ll just look stupid for making the appointment. I know it’s not stupid to get checked with any changes deep down because the earlier the better but my anxiety just plays tricks on me. Any help or advice would be appreciated and if anyone has had the same I’d appreciate some stories on how you explained it to a GP… TIA 

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    HI Crispynoodles,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear about your mum and can fully understand your concerns about your own symptoms. Some people have naturally lumpy breasts, which are benign. We are always advised to get any changes in our breasts checked out, as soon as possible. I am glad to hear that you check your breasts regularly and can recognise these changes. Please don't be embarrassed about going to see your GP. All you have to say is that you have noticed some changes in your breasts and are aware of more lumps developing. Doctors deal with this sort of thing on an almost daily basis (1 in 2 people develop breast cancer within their lifetime). There is no way to be sure that your lumps are benign until you have some tests carried out. Your GP is likely to refer you to a breast clinic, where a consultant will discuss the changes that you've noticed and examine your breasts. You should usually get your appointment for this through within 2 weeks from the date of referral. You may also have a mammogram, an ultrasound and/or a biopsy, at this first visit. It usually takes a further wait of 1-2 weeks to get these results back. The mammogram and ultrasound can usually show the lumps, but the biopsy determines whether or not there is any cancer present.

    I lost my own mum to secondary breast cancer, so checked my breasts regularly. I noticed one small lump in my breast, which turned out to be cancerous. I had a lumpectomy. Less than a year later, I discovered a second lump in the same breast. Unfortunately, this too, was cancerous and I had a double mastectomy. That was all 15 years ago now and I still lead a busy life.

    Please don't delay in getting this investigated and don't let embarrassment stop you. It doesn't matter in the slightest if nothing untoward is found - this would be great news! Of all the people, who attend a breast clinic, only 20% will get a cancer diagnosis - the other 80% do not have cancer.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I’m sorry for your loss! I’m glad you are living a busy life still, thank you again! Xx

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    Hi Crispynoodles, 

    This is very similar to the question I came on here to ask. I actually did go to the Drs and have a screening appointment booked for Tuesday but I am so worried that I'm just wasting everyone's time. I was diagnosed with a cyst in my left breast back in 2018 but it hasn't really bothered me much since, however in the last month or so my breast just feels so lumpy (almost like it is more lump than not, if that makes sense) It's very strange. I feel like everyone at the hospital will be annoyed with me for coming again if it is 'just a cyst' (the dr seemed quite dismissive of me last time after she scanned me).

    Two of my aunties (two of my dad's sisters) have had breast cancer, and sadly one died from secondary cancer a couple of years ago, so like you I am very aware of the risks.

    I keep feeling like I should contact the hospital to cancel...

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    thanks for this Jolamine, I didn't really read your message before I replied to Crispynoodles but it is very supportive. So sorry to hear about your experience, and your loss. I guess I will go ahead with the appointment - if anyone judges me for going, then I guess that is a reflection on them, not me (and it would be very nice to hear there is nothing to worry about, if that is indeed the case!)

    LexingtonLuxe x

  • Offline in reply to LexingtonLuxe

    Hi LexingtonLuxe,

    Nobody will judge you for attending your appointment on Tuesday. It will be great news if there is no cancer present. As I said to Crispynoodles, of all the people, who attend a breast clinic, only 20% will get a cancer diagnosis - the other 80% do not have cancer. This makes you in the majority and not the minority, so please do attend.

    I sincerely hope that all turns out well for you.

    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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