I am 28 and found a lump on my right breast last night.
My mother has found a fair few cysts in the past, non cancerous. Her aunt has had breast cancer, but was treated successfully.
I did the right thing by going to my GP and having it checked out. However, much to my surprise he told me he thought it might be a cyst and to go away and if it hasnt gone in a month to come back and hell refer me to a breast surgeon.
A little negative and over the top maybe… but what if it isnt a cyst and waiting a month makes it too late?
Should i be going to the doctors for a second opinion or asking them to refer me? I have never noticed a lump before, even on my period and im really not comfortable leaving it.
Can doctors tell the difference between a cyst and tumour just by examination?
I have had a cyst (many many moons ago when i was 19!!) and was DX with BC in November after i found a lump so i have felt both!
I could tell that my BC lump wasn’t just a cyst - it was very different so your doc should be able to tell
But my doc reassured me that my BC lump was nothing but said he would send me for a mammogram just to put my mind at ease (said 4-6 weeks wait) used my PMI to get mammogram in 2 weeks and thank god i did as it was an aggressive cancer but caught very early!!
If you really are concerned ask for a second opinion - my breast consultant new my lump was suspicious just by feeling it whereas doc didn’t so probably depends on their experience!
The docs who treated my cyst were right it was just a cyst as well so depends on how much you trust your doc!
I am so so so so scared and ive only just found a lump! I am extremely anxious and have decided to make another appointment in the morning and ask to be referred. If it does disappear over the next month (as the doctor has suggested) then i will cancel the appointment. I couldnt help but feel i wasnt being taken seriously just because im 28 and dont have much family history of cancer.
I feel physically sick the situation im in now and dont know how i would cope if i left it only to find out its bad news a month of so down the line.
Thank you so much for replying and i really wish you all the best in the future x
I agree if you are worried ask for a second opinion.
But, even after my diagnosis of breast cancer my surgeon said I could delay surgery up to 3 months without it affecting my risk, so I think waiting for a month would be ok.
Whatever you decide you need to be comfortable with the decision, and if your doctor feels strongly that to wait is right he should be able to explain why in a way which makes you feel his decision is Ok. if not then push for a second opinion.
If you can feel a lump, then absolutely go back and be referred to breast care. You only need to surf this site for a while to know that the screening is imperative if you have any concerns at all.
i think you are right in your decision songbird! My doc i think mainly thought that mine was nothing because when he asked me all the questions to evaluate my risk there was nothing to suggest a worry - no family history, no smoking, no drinking, breast fed both babies, only 37 etc!
I only want to say that I was asked all the same questions as you and my answers were all the same as you too ie no family history, no smoking, breast fed both children and never been on HRT, and my lump was smooth (no ideas what difference that makes though!), but my lump WAS breast cancer. Ok, maybe I’m old enough to be your Mother but please go back and ask for a referral as age is no barrier.
Better to be referred and know that you are ok than to keep worrying yourself silly.
Good luck and let’s hope that your GP is proved correct.