Awaiting Second Breast Clinic Appointment

Have I got breast cancer? Appointments and waiting for test results
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Hi.

I’m not sure what I want the outcome of this post to be, but I just need to share it. I’ve been lay in bed awake thinking about it.

I (23 F) noticed a lump in my left breast about 5 months ago. I waited a month, it was still there and had grown slightly. I went to the GP who referred me to a breast clinic. I had an ultrasound on two lumps (one of which I hadn’t found). One was suspected to be a fibroadenoma U2 (13x12x6mm) and the other was noted as dense glandular stroma U1. I was discharged the same day with no further tests. Given my age and no family history of breast cancer specifically, there was no need for further tests.

Three days ago, I went back to the GP. The original fibroadenoma has increased in size dramatically, to the point one of my boobs is now visibly bigger than the other. It feels bigger than a golf ball (and I don’t have big boobs!). I can still feel what was the original fibroadenoma, which has grown, however it’s surrounded by a large, firm mass. I have also found another lump on the same breast, which feels exactly like the original fibroadenoma did, just under my nipple.

The GP was lovely, however after my examination, I could see her demeanour change. She even told me to look into charities such as Coppafeel… (great charity, but nothing has been confirmed yet!!).

She also found another lump on my right boob which she said needed checking. She referred me urgently to the same breast clinic, and has even written in my doctor notes that she would like to recommend a mammogram as well as an ultrasound. I have had my breast clinic appointment confirmed for Friday 31st July 2026.

I was just wondering if anybody else has had a similar experience? I’m incredibly realistic and hard to scare, so even if it’s not what you think I’d want to hear, I really am all ears.

I also know that because of my age and no direct history of breast cancer in particular in my family, I’m low risk. However, as a vain 23 year old, I also don’t want to have one of my boobs cut into for any reason. I know this is so insensitive, but it’s true.

Thank you all in advance. It’s genuinely appreciated.

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If it helps I’ve had a fibroadenoma since I was about your age and I’m now 58. It’s still there after a lumpectomy in that breast. It’s changed and moved a bit as my breasts have changed over the years but it’s still there causing no harm.

I’ve also had a cyst which was drained and caused no problems.

What I’m saying really I suppose is that breast lumps often aren’t cancer. Breast tissue is strange stuff.

My cancer was a tiny (14mm) no one could feel. I was having some other non cancer related lumpiness checked out when it was found on an ultrasound and confirmed by mammogram and MRI.

Well done for being vigilant and for going back.

As for the vanity thing my scar is about 6cm long on a place people won’t generally see (side of my boob where my underwire finishes) and fading fast after 4 months. If it is cancer you’ll want them to remove it asap.

Fingers crossed there’s another explanation. Let us know how you get on.

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Thank you for your reassuring words. :heart_hands: I hope you’re doing okay now!

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I’ve finished my treatment (surgery, radiotherapy and a disastrous attempt at Letrozole) and am now back to living my life 6 months after my initial breast cancer clinic appointment :grin:

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