Cancer Research UK main site

Found a hard lump

magicmummy
Offline

Hi all

I've been lurking around for 3 weeks and have now found the courage to join you all.

I don't feel like I really belong here as I haven't had a diagnosis yet. I've been reading up on a lot of the posts and you ladies are so strong, encouraging and in my eyes superheroes

I've just got a few questions. I found a lump around 2cm 3 weeks ago in my right breast just to the right and slightly above my nipple. The lump is solid and round and in my opinion not irregular in shape. A few weeks prior to finding the lump my breast was aching and nipple area throbbing for about 3 days. I went to GP and I have been referred but 3 weeks in and still no appt, I chased the referral and was told due to Covid waiting times have increased, oh great! GP thinks its a cyst which obviously I'm happy to hear. I've since had my period and it's still there. 

I've obviously done lots of reading and wondered what's meant by movable? I mean I can just about move it from side to side but couldn't do anymore than that, is that classed as movable or should I be able to move it around my breast?

It's not painful at all, I found it whilst in the shower. I'm 44 so obviously hormones are changing .  I'm probably making a mountain out of a molehill and it's more than likely to be nothing at all to worry about. Should I go private or get it checked for peace of mind? Just wondered if any of you have thought you had a cyst but turned out to be cancerous?

Sorry for the long post, I haven't spoken to anyone about it. I mentioned it to my husband but didn't want him to worry so just said 'ah it's nothing, all just routine'. I have 4 amazing children, don't want to worry them either.

Thank you for reading

Xxx

  • Welcome to the forum Magicmummy although I'm sorry for the reason you're joining us.

    Many of our members know how daunting and scary it can be to find a breast lump so hopefully some of them will be along soon to offer their support and share their thoughts and advice.

    In the meantime, we hope you won't have to wait too much longer for your referral to come through and your appointment shows the lump to be no cause for concern.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi Steph

    Thank you for taking the time to reply to me.

    I now have my appointment on the 19th August, I am trying to be positive . I can't wait for this worry to end.

    Thank you again

    Amanda xx

  • Offline in reply to magicmummy

     

    Hi Magicmummy,

    I am glad to see that you have eventually found the courage to join us. We don't bite and, you have as much right as anyone else to be here, so please don't feel that you don't belong. We are here to support anyone who is waiting for an appointment, undergoing testing, surgery, treatment or just looking for general advice.

    I am sorry that you have had to wait longer than the usual 2 weeks to be seen at the breast clinic, but glad to hear that you have finally got an appointment for 19th August. I am not a doctor, but understand that  'irregular in shape' and 'moveable' are just rough guidelines and that the extent of these can be variable. The only way to be certain that cancer is/is not present is to have a biopsy.

    This is a worrying time for you, as there are so many unknowns. You must be a very brave person to keep this to yourself and to play things down for your hubby. It is not at all unusuas for us to find our emotions all over the place whilst you're waiting to be seen, so don't worry if you find this happening to you. It actually becomes easier to deal with once you get a result, irrespective of the outcome.

    Most breast cancer lumps are painless and not all are cancerous. Now that you've got an appointment, there should be no need to go private. You are definitely doing the right thing in getting this checked out, even if only for your own peace of mind. Things will move quite quickly once you are seen. You will likely get some tests on your first visit, then have to wait another 1-2 weeks for the results. By the time the results come back your case will have been discussed at an MDT meeting (multidisciplinary team) and, if any treatment is needed, this will have been discussed and a decision taken on the best way forward for you.

    Only 1 person in every 8 referred will get a cancer diagnosis, so here's hoping that this is a benign cyst or fibroadenoma and nothing sinister. You will find that the staff at these clinics are usually very helpful and understanding. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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.