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[cherylks]

Last weekend I discovered quite a large lump in my breast.  I am going to ring my docs on Monday (am away from today til Sun).  Just wanted to know if anyone else has had exactly the same kind of lump?  It is about 1.5 inches long and .5 inches wide and fairly deep.  It feels a little bumpy.  Only discomfort if prodded a bit.  It's just under the nipple stretching out to the right and left of it etc.  Obviously have googled but haven't found anything that I think fits the mould.  Fairly sure its nothing sinister cos only checked my breasts a few months ago.  Any thoughts?  Have put off docs so far cos don't like idea of having so much handling of it

[Galadriel]

Hi cherylks,

If it's any comfort, I've had 'em bigger - so you could actually see it in profile

I have been plagued by breast cysts for a number of years. Painful if prodded and change size depending on where I am in my cycle. Now I'm in peri, I'm having the occasional flare-up.

Going to the doc is the best thing. They might send you to a breast specialist which is not a reason to panic. It means you will get the full investigation. I've had mamo's and ultrasounds. Treatment for cysts is drainage. It sounds worse than it is. A sharp scratch and a little pressure and it's all over.

My lovely breast surgeon has managed to take 25cc out of one cyst so that shows you how big they can get.

Good luck and see your GP asap just to put your mind at rest.

Galadriel x

[cherylks]

Thanks.  I thought cysts were soft and moveable.  Mine is hard and doesn't move.   The thought of a needle inserted in my breast horrifies me!  Not sure I could handle that 

[Galadriel]

Not all my cysts were soft.. some were hard, like a wee balloon blown up to maximum. I've also had a couple of fibrous adenomas, which are hard but benign.

The drainage always sounds worse than the actual treatment... takes a minute or two and then you get a small plaster over the site... a bit like when you've given a blood sample.

This is easier said than done,but try not to worry in the meantime.

Galadriel x

[CLKD]

What ever the Surgeon says, get it removed and sent to histology!

Let us know how you get on!

[Hurdity]

Hi cherlyks

I agree with the others - you should ring the doc asap and get it checked out. Anyone finding any sort of breast lump should always get it checked as the sooner anything is investigated and treated if necessary the better.

I have had breast lumps but the first was a fibroadenoma which used to be painful and the second was a milk lump when I was breastfeeding. Neither of them needed treatment.

I echo what Galadriel said and try not to worry, but please do go on Monday so that you can be referred as soon as possible.

Hurdity x 

[cherylks]

Just back from docs.  Said it could just be fatty tissue but there is a lump of 5cm.  She then handed me form to give to receptionist which said "urgent cancer referral form"!  Please tell me this is a standard form and not that she was saying one thing but thinking something else!  Should be seen in 2 weeks apparently.

[Ju Ju]

It's belt and braces! The doctor is probably right, but she would be failing in her duty to you not to refer you for assessment quickly, which is why the form had this heading. I can't tell you not to worry, because you are human and you will. Let us know how you get on.

[CLKD]

Two weeks is the recommended gap between talking to your GP and seeing a Consultant.  Do you have an appt. date, if not give the secretary a ring for advice.  Make sure that you take someone with you, do not drive yourself.  Take paper and pen and ask, ask: jot down the answers.

My lump was aspirated in the first instance followed by removal through a small incision.  Although initial benign, at histology there were signs of 'activity' which could have been cancer cells moving around - so I had pre-cautionary radiation treatment and regular check ups. That was in the 1990s - still here >wave<

[Ju Ju]

Mine was benign, aspirated, then removed at a later date, just in case.

[cherylks]

Have just had phone call from hospital.  My appointment is next Weds.  Husband is coming with me.  Are they likely to actually tell me anything at that time? 

[Mary G]

Hopefully you will have an immediate ultrasound breast scan, they should be able to tell you what it is straightaway if they have the up to date equipment. 

A word of comfort, benign breast cysts are very, very common particularly in peri menopause - apparently they come and go all the time and some women have loads of them.  I had one once and I was worried but the breast specialist told me that never, in his entire career, had he seen a breast cyst turn into a malignancy - if it turns into a malignancy, then it was never a breast cyst to begin with.  Also, having breast cysts does not mean you are more likely to develop breast cancer. 

Hope it all goes well, please keep in touch.

[cherylks]

My GP said I would have a mammogram, CT scan and biopsy.  When the hosp rang they just said to go to first floor of outpatients.  Wasn't thinking straight enough to ask questions at that point.

[CLKD]

Make a list and ring the Dept. 2-morrow and ask 

[cherylks]

Thank you CLKD, Sparkle, Mary G, JuJu, Hurdity, Galadriel for all your comments.  Going to enjoy Christmas and not think about next week for a bit.  xx