Breast lump for in 19year old - scared

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hello, I should add I have an appointment with GP on thurs.

I lost some weight due to dieting about a year ago and a visible "line" lump appeared at top of breast. I'm ashamed to say I ignored it and forgot about it. I've recently starting studying cancer as part of my uni degree; this reminded me of my lump. In 8 months it has never hurt nor has it changed in size.

It's kind of 1.5" long and fairly narrow. Literally feels like an enlarged vein. Maybe a pencil thickness. It's hardish and smooth on edges (not jagged). It doesn't move about, I think it might move a little but doesn't float around breast if that makes sense. Can be seen if you get the light right on it

I'm a 19 year old female. No breast cancer in immediate family. Started period a month before 12 birthday and have been regular monthly forever.

Do you think this lump is cancer? I've never been so scared in my life, had a melt down yesterday when I thought about it. I'm so scared. What if it is cancer?

Thanks

Ellen

1 like, 32 replies

32 Replies

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  • Posted

    Well that was the most mortifying thing of my life...why did he have to be a good looking doctor !!!!!

    Anyway, I feel more positive. Although he's never felt anything quite like it as it runs in a line down my breast, he said there could be a cyst at the bottom. As it's not changed at all since I've had it and I have no other symptoms, check arm pits etc. not lost weight etc, he's fairly sure it's nothing to worry about. As sure as he is professionally aloud to say.

    He has referred me to a breast clinic, they should contact me in the next week. Just to get it double checked, ultra sound etc.

    So I think the news is positive, he's pretty sure it's nothing to worry about as it's not painful, not changes, no nipple discharge, regular periods. That has relaxed me somewhat, although I would feel 100% relaxed until I've been to the clinic. Thanks for all of your support.

    Ellen

    • Posted

      Hello again Ellen

      Well, thank goodness for that!

      Great that you can get to a breast clininc quickly - with an utrasound and an expert opinion, you should be able to relax after that, and get on with your uni. studies, horse commitments, riding and goodness knows what!  Relax?  Ha ha smile

      Perhaps treat yourself to a glass of wine, and a warm, scented bath to aid a really good night's sleep. Well deserved!

      Please keep us in the loop, after you have been to the breast clinic.

      PS - don't forget to look up the site I gave to you, or ask for a leaflet about self examination.

      Sleep tight

      M x

       

    • Posted

      Thankyou ! I do feel much more relaxed, but there is still a very tiny part of me worried, this will be fine once I've had an expert opinion. It's just the way it didn't feel like anything he'd ever felt, a bit concerning. But not reading into that too much otherwise I'll panic again !

      I do feel more relaxed. Will be much more relaxed when I have it confirmed. Question, will they confirm what it is then and there during ultra sound, or will they delay and send results? He said something about a biopsy which sounds awful !! And if it's causing me no problem, do I need to have it removed?

      Ellen x

    • Posted

      Hi Ellen,

      Like you I found a lump, went to GP and then referred to Breast clinic.

      The day was really easy and quick, theyll assess the lump again just like the doctor did and the ultrasound doesn't take long either. They talked me through every step and don't be afraid to ask questions because

      they're there to reassure you.

      At the end of all of the tests the Breast clinic doctor calls you back in and tells you your results and any advice for the future, but if you have a biopsy usually they'll call you in a few days afterwards for those results

      I had to go back again for another lump which sounded a lot like yours - they were unsure of it but everything was fine and because it's not causing any problems it doesn't need to be taken out, they think its just muscle tissue

      Hope all goes well for you, good luck and if you can take someone to the clinic with you then do that too as it can be a long day

      Best wishes smile

    • Posted

      Thankyou, damn...thought it would just be an appointment not an all day thing ! I've not told anyone as didn't want to worry them unnecessarily xx
    • Posted

      Haha I thought it was just an appointment too! But I asked the booking lady on the phone and she said to give all day for it sad

      To be honest the first time I went I was there about 2 hours in total but it depends on how busy they are, sometimes the ultrasound is busier than the actual Breast clinic area!

      I didn't want to tell anyone either because they'd worry but I ended up telling my dad and I felt a lot better for it, taking someone with you is a good distraction while you're waiting too smile X

    • Posted

      Bugger. Thankyou. I shall go alone & take a book. Hoping an ultra sound will be enough...biopsy sounds painful. Well me, my breast and my unusual lump and going to get some sleep now. Breast a little sore today due to slight period swelling and me prodding, poking and generally fiddling with it for the last week !!
  • Posted

    P.s....why did he have to such a good looking doctor !!! Made things far more awkward....good looking, doctors should not be allowed lol !! X
  • Posted

    I've got an appointment at local breast clinic a week today. For an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. Now I'm panicking and scared again !! I have lived for just under a week on the the fact that the doctor was fairly certain it was nothing to worry about. No I've got a week or what ifs !

    I'm so nervous about the appointment, I know they will be helpful and proffesional, just nervous of the outcome.

    Thankyou

    Ellen

    • Posted

      Hey Ellen,

      This was the case with me. They say possible biopsy because they have to warn you it's a possibility but in most cases it doesn't need to go that far! 

      Also, both of my breast clinic waiting times was around a week or two just like yours. Remember, if they thought it was anything dangerous they'd have rushed you in.

      Everyone who works there are always really lovely, they'll know you're nervous just take it easy and take something to distract you like I said. The first time I went I took my iPad to use but the day went so quick I didn't even end up going on it!

      Good luck, I hope it goes well for you :-)

      Leah

    • Posted

      Hi Ellen

      I'm in the same boat as I have my appointment on monday and am feeling very nervous too.

      I dont know at the moment what I will need to have done as my letter just explained general things that may or may not be needed as I have not actually found any lumps and neither has my GP but I have other changes which need investigating. Every day has felt like torture waiting for monday to come so I know how you feel.

      Rebecca

  • Posted

    Hello Ellen

    It's Manda again!

    Please don't worry too much - the people at the breast clinic that I attend are so absolutely lovely - the nurses are all women who know exactly how scared you are ... I have no doubt that they will understand that you are anxious, and be very kind and supportive to you.

    The ultrasound is completely painless. 

    Sometimes the surgeon will perform a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA).  This is really not any worse than having a blood test - but do press on the site afterwards, or you will have a bruise!  I am sure that they will suggest that you do this, but otherwise ask for some cotton wool, and keep pressing for a good few minutes.

    I have had loads of biosies. rolleyes

    They are more noisy than painful, (the first one made me jump!) and in any case are done under local anaesthetic.  They're really nothing to worry about, however scary the idea.

    The great thing is that once you have the results of the scan, and/ or an FNA or biopsy, you will know exactly where you are. Considering your very low risk, and your GP's reassurances, your fears are almost certainly unfounded - but you are doing absolutely the right thing by getting it properly invesigated.

    There is no point in worrying about potential surgery until you know what you are dealing with.  Be guided by your surgeon, who will recommend what is best for you, based on the diagnosis.  If you want to get rid of the lump, whatever it is, then say so. 

    Don't be afraid to write down a list of questions to jog your memory before you go. No-one will mind, and it will save you from walking out of the consulting room, and then thinking 'damn - I forgot to ask about ... '.

    Also, take a notebook and pencil, so that you can jot down what is said to you. 

    Most people forget at least half of what they have been told before they leave the room.  Alternatively, take a trusted friend, and ask her/ him to do the same, for you.  Between you, you should be able to remember most of the consultation.

    Keep strong!

    Sending hugs through the ether ... wink

    Manda  x

     

  • Posted

    Thankyou for the support everyone. I'm off to the hospital today for an ultra sound. I am so nervous - my head full of what ifs......?

    • Posted

      Wow it seems that week went fast!

      Just remember everything everyone has said. It's normal to worry and when you're there, everyone has a similar situation and the nurses know that so they try to keep you comfortable and relaxed :-) just take it easy once you're there

      Good luck - hope everything goes well

      Leah

      X

  • Posted

    What a relief. I couldn't believe it until I was told it. Thankyou for all of your lovely support.

    I am pleased to announce that after an ultra sound, my weird lump that no one knew what it was, was just glandular tissue which became evident when I lost weight. Noticeable because I am a slim person.

    I cannot tell you the relief !!! Phew !!!

    But as I am studying cancer and breast cancer as part it my degree, I guess this is good experience for future essays and exams.

    I was re examined, she said likely glandular tissue which can be felt because I'm slim. Went through for ultrasound, if it lasted 1 minute that would be all. Then went back to specialist with my envelope, and she told me it was glandular tissue. Nothing to worry about and something that doesn't need any further tests.

    Wow, I knew I was worrying about this but didn't realise how much, the relief now is huge.

    I was there about two hours, most of the time was just waiting (took a book) and the examination times probably didn't add up to 10 mins !!

    Thankyou for all of your support. I'm glad I had it checked out. It could have been something sinister and of course early detection is key.

    Ellen xx

    • Posted

      That's really great news ellen. Now enjoy your degree and good luck 😉

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