I am not sure if this is the right place to ask but frankly i am scared and feel like a nusance to the NHS due to covid 19. Around 1 year ago i was told i had a fibroadenoma and was told it may get smaller or dissapear but over the past few weeks it has grown and got harder to the point where i can constanly feel it and i am also getting new bruises on that breast each day. I have searched google and cannot find any guidance, should i be concerned or shall i just ignore it for now?
My advice would be never to ignore any breast changes. It is more sensible to err on the side of caution and I’m pretty sure your GP would not consider this a nuisance in these strange times (unless you saw them about it within the last few months).
I had a fibroadenoma in my early 30s and, because it was large, I had it removed. There was never any suggestion that it might be breast cancer, though the consultant said it would be tested ‘to be on the safe side.’ Most breast lumps are benign, so I shouldn’t worry until you are given grounds to worry. Looking it up on the internet isn’t a good idea however. Self-diagnosis can be very risky and Google is renowned for the terror it induces in many of us when we try to research what can only be generalised information. The other piece of advice I would offer is to stop poking and prodding. I know it’s hard (I had something visible as my early breast cancer symptom and I kept glaring inside my bra every 10 minutes or so, as if it would go away just be willing it) but you may well be making things more tender. Pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer, if that helps reassure you.
Just give your GP a ring and say you’re concerned about recent changes in your breast. They’ll take it from there. I hope it turns out well and you get the reassurance you need but you might consider having it removed once things are back to normal (if it’s an option) if you are going to react with fear each time it changes. Living with that level of fear is detrimental to your physical and mental wellbeing,