Hi all…I’m new to here but after spending all weekend on google I thought I would ask a question to people who know…I noticed about 6 months ago my left breast had started to change shape…I’m 32…the left breast has an indent at the top and looks a lot lower and swollen than the right…I have a strong family history of breast cancer my gran and two aunties sadly all passed away from it before they hit 40…so I went to the doctor on friday as I have a lump in my arm pit…I explained to him I was worried about the changes in my right breast…he took a look and felt the lump in arm Pitt…he said he could not feel any lumps in the breast and put the change down to me getting older and said it was just my age…he said the lump in my arm Pitt was a swooped lymph node and just wait and see if it goes away in a few weeks…I was a little hurt by this plan of action and felt stupid for bothering him…I suppose my question is…is it normal for one breast to change in your 30’s…or should I get a second opinion…thank you for any responses…
Hi Cara80
I’m sorry to hear that you are having a pretty difficult time at the moment. I’m sure the users of this site will be along to support you soon.
In the meantime maybe you would like to talk to a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 600 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Cara,
Changes in your breasts are perfectly normal throughout your life and can occur for wide and varied reasons. However that said if you are not happy with what your doctor has said you are entitled to a second opinion if you are still cincerened and your mind hasnt been put at ease. Maybe you could see a different doctor and even if their findings are the same as the original diagnosis this doc will explain it to you in more detail and help you understand why you are having these problems with your breasts. Fingers crossed for you and hope you find some answers that help but your mind at ease.
Thumby xx
Hi Cara,
I think for peace of mind there is nothing wrong with getting checked out. If you are still unsure you are entitled to a second opinion.
saying that - i was still 36 in Feb and went to the doc, as i felt a lump and my left boob was more swollen than my right. It was spilling out my bra. Mine unfortunately did turn out to be cancer.
Not to scare you, as breasts do go through changes due to hormones etc…but i just wanted to be safe rather than sorry.
If it puts your mind at rest… then i would get that second opinion.
Rae
x
Hi Cara,
Do NOT feel stupid for bothering your GP. The bottom line is that something has changed and you are not going to be anxious until you have been properly examined - esp due to your family history.
I was diagnosed last year at the age of 33and was dismissed for months with antibiotics etc despite a strong family history and it was only when I burst into tears and begged for a biopsy that I was diagnosed. By this time it was a very large lump and had spread to my lymph nodes so I can’t help but wonder whether my prognosis would have been better had they tested me initially.
So, my advice is to push for an appointment at the breast clinic. Best case scenario - it is nothing and your mind is put at ease. You are just going to worry if not. Worst case is that it is cancer but the earlier it is caught the easier it is to cure!!
Let us know how you get on. Fingers crossed it is nothing sinister and you can relax again.
X
Thank you ladies for replying…I think I will go back and see another GP at my practise…I would just like them to explain that the changes I’m experiencing is normal…the doctor mentioned he felt a thickening in the top of my breast but I shouldn’t worry but I would think with the lump in my arm pitt as well he would have been a little more reassuring…i don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac but I just feel like something is not quite right.
Hello Cara
You’re not being a hypochondriac. As Sandytoes says, do push for an appointment at the breast clinic. I don’t want to cause you any further anxiety but I first noticed a swollen lymph node in my armpit and then next day realised there was something not right in my breast. My GP felt the lymph node and didn’t even bother to check the suspect area in my breast he just arranged a fast track appointment at the breast clinic. The doctor at the clinic described it as a thickening of the breast tissue, rather than a lump. After various tests it did prove to be cancer.
It may be nothing sinister but you really do need to feel it’s been properly checked to give you peace of mind. I hope all proves to be well with you. Do let us know how you get on.
Best wishes.
X
Hi Cara,
As others have said, you’re not being a hypochondriac (says she who feels like one herself at the moment!).
If you’ve got changes to your breast that aren’t normal for you, whatever your age, you need them properly looked into until you feel reassured.
Having said that, I hope that whatever is causing the changes is nothing serious 
All the best to you and I hope you get checked, and get some answers, soon.
Sharon x
Hi Ladies, I went back to the Doctors today for a second opinion, I’m glad I did, another GP done a full examination and found a lump in my armpit and another lump in the breast it self…he agreed the breast didn’t look right and I needed the lumps checked out so I’m just waiting on my hospital appointment to come though…thank you all for the advice xx
Hi…Ladies can I just ask how long did you have to wait for your appointment at the Breast Clinic…I was told I would be seen within two weeks but still no appointment though…I call my Doctor’s surgery today to ask and they informed me that the referral was on sent to the hospital on Friday…when I was at the Docotors on April 30, they said it would be done then but now I’m slightly concern that it could be another two weeks, I now have a bloody discharge coming from my nipple…I’m not sure if I should go back to the Doctors this week or just wait and see if an appointment comes though… Sorry for my little rant but the waiting is driving me insane…any thoughts would be welcome thank you xx
Cara80
You may now be on another thread I am not very good at navigating my way round this forum. I hope you have had something come through by now. I think on the “official guidelines” you have to be seen within two weeks of being referred. I think we all think we are being a nuisance but you have every right to make a fuss.
I went to the doctors in July and he said there was nothing there. I went to a different doctor in March and was referred straight away. Not to worry you more but mine did turn out to be cancer but luckily was early stage and I am having treatment now.
Hopefully you will be fine but all the stress of waiting is not good for anyone. I hope that you have already been seen by now but if not call them and make a fuss.
Take care
Alesha
Thanks Alesha…still not been seen the doctor called yesterday to say the hospital had never got my referral…I’m giving then until Mondy to get me an appointment then I’m going to cause a fuss…it’s gone on to long now…I go from thinking ah it’s nothing to but what if…either way I just want to no…thanks for taking the time to reply to me xx
Hi Cara,
This is ridiculous, go back to the doctor and tell him you have bleeding from the nipple quite often, and that your symptoms are getting worse and that you wish him to record that you are not satisfied with the response from the hospital
Alternatively go to A&E this weekend and tell them your nipple is bleeding and has been for a couple of weeks off and on…and your breast is very uncomfortable and see if you can fast track yourself that way…
Good luck