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Large lump found

Hi all.

This morning I found a large lump in my right breast.

I have just been to doctors and she checked my armpits (all fine)

She said the lump was large but she could move it around and didn't seem sinister.

She said a possibility is because of hormones. I am 44 and my period came yesterday although I am starting to get symptoms of perimenopause.

All was going well until she said she was going to refer me to breast clinic for them to make sure because it's quite large and the waiting list at the moment is around 6 weeks.

Why do GPs never tell you their opinion? Now i am left terrified of what it could be

Comments

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,570

    Hi @loula101,

    Your GP likely wants to wait to provide any sort of opinion without additional information, otherwise they could cause you more anxiety than is warranted in the situation or cause the opposite issue—not providing enough concern. Either end of the spectrum would not be ideal and would be a disservice to you as someone that is providing you medical advice. The waiting is always the hardest part, and it's hard to not be anxious during this time, but keep in mind that many times upon further examination, results are often benign.

    For now and if you want, you can read an ongoing thread we have where other women are currently going through a similar experience of waiting for their test results. It could provide some comfort to to speak with others who are going through the waiting process or to hear from those who have already gone through it:

    Good luck, and let us know as you get more information! :)

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,256

    The mods have steered you in the right direction . Why would you want your gp to speculate or guess about something that she feels needs to be assessed by people who are experts in the field? While she may not see anything sinister, she is being diligent in referring you to the breast clinic. Since the lump is still there, I think a closer look would provide you with a more complete picture, which is a good thing. What could it be? Breasts can be very busy and lumps and bumps happen for reasons other than breast cancer. None of us can guess/speculate as to what might be going on.

    I know this is worrisome and anxiety provoking but you’re getting it checked by folks who are breast specialists. Until then, stay away from the worst diagnostician in the world, Dr. Google. Additionally, focus on what you know and try very hard to stay away from things which may never happen, i.e. banish all thoughts of a worst case scenario. Take care

  • maggie15
    maggie15 Member Posts: 1,316

    @loula101 , I'm sorry that you have to wait six weeks for a breast clinic appointment but breast abnormalities are not considered an emergency like a heart attack. While your GP did not give you a definitive answer (nobody can without observing changes/imaging/testing) it sounds like her opinion is that the lump is related to hormones. She referred you to the clinic to make sure, a good idea for peace of mind, so try not to worry too much. That is easier said than done but all of us here have survived multiple waits to get answers, too.

    The mods have given you a good resource for ideas on how to cope with the wait. Let us know how your appointment turns out. Hopefully you'll get good news!

  • loula101
    loula101 Member Posts: 2

    Thank you everyone