Hi, just need a place to talk, I've seen my GP yesterday and she has referred me for a mammogram to be seen within 2 weeks. About 12 weeks ago I felt a hard noticeable lump near my areola on my left breast. I am 44.

I've never had cysts before, but after googling them. I thought it's most likely a cyst. It was painful to press and I had shooting sharp pains in my breast. I've kept an eye on it, and it seems to be more under my areola that before, and tender.

After my breast exam yesterday she noticed the nipple on that side was retracted 

I'm still 99% it will be a cyst. However, the 1% in me is panicking slightly. I lost my partner 2 years ago to cancer, and I'm a single mom. I'm trying to not freak out, and keep trying to tell myself that most lumps are not cancerous.

Has anyone had nipple retraction, that turned out to be for a harmless reason?