Lump in right breast - changing throughout day

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Hi, it’s been two weeks since I found my lump and was immediately referred to breast clinic however I’m in Northern Ireland and even with a red flag referral it is looking like first week of January before I will get an appointment. We also only have one private clinic that screens symptomatic clients and it also has a long waiting list (along with a roughly £3,000 bill for all tests).

Anyway I’m trying not to Google and have been spending loads of time on this forum. I am wondering if anyone can offer their experience with their lump that might reassure or even prepare me!

The lump I’ve found is just above my right nipple and is larger than a grape, GP said she thinks we can rule out a cyst as it is hard (not sure if she gave any other justification). I have noticed that the lump seems to change as my breast does, when I’m cold/the shower etc. if my nipple is erect the lump seems smaller more grainy texture but when I feel it as I’m sat down relaxed it’s larger and smoother but still hard? Is this normal? Would it be more indicative of something benign? I know people won’t be inclined to give any medical advice and can’t possibly tell me if it is cancer or something less sinister but any information at all would help as I’m overthinking everything.

Thanks in advance x

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Hi @enia1703

I am sorry you have found a lump, but you are doing absolutely the right thing getting it looked up. Medically, I have a rather complicated breast history, v. lumpy and a lot of changes. In the the past my GP has often wanted to wait two to four weeks before referring me in case the changes were cyclical and the wait can be very hard.

I don’t know if you have ever watched the comedy series Doc Martin on TV but if you have, you will know he is a surgeon who has a blood phobia so has instead become a GP. Every time I watch it I wish my GP surgery was like his, because he has an ultrasound, so is always able to see what is going on below skin level there and then. I think wouldn’t it be great if we ladies didn’t have to wait for an ultrasound appointment, but could be told there and then!

But back to your question - I have a particular breast lump at the moment (I have a lot of lumps, hitherto diagnosed as lot of fibrous tissue and collapsed milk ducts) which has been checked a couple times and was found to be normal, but at times it feels quite hard like a lemon pip at some times of the day, other times softer and smoother. It also depends the position I am in, lying down it seems less noticeable than when I sit up, but I agree, when my boob is warm it feels different.

This isn’t a very helpful answer, but I just wanted say I know what you mean. I feel it has changed so am having to have it checked again, it will be interesting to know what the Breast Clinic has to say when I next see them.

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Hi @enia1703 ,

So sorry you are going through this awful time. My heart sinks to hear the NHS is becoming so dysfunctional, and my heart bleeds for you that you are on the receiving end of it.

I had a long history of breast cysts in my late 30’s, early 40’s and i always thought they got larger and smaller depending on my level of hydration. Fibroandenomas can be firm, round and smooth also. Why do we always assume the worst but we do.

When I was finally diagnosed with a breast cancer, and was in paroxysms of anxiety, I wrote myself a list of “mind rules” which I found years later on my computer. The first rule was:- i will only invest energy in worrying about what I know to be REAL not what I am fearing. The second rule was:- I will deal with whatever comes one step at a time.

I know the interminable waiting is horrible but do anything to distract yourself and try and focus on that lump being something simple. If that proves wrong, invoke rule 2!!

I wish you all the best and keep us posted on the outcome.

Sending love and hugs

Eily :heart::heart::heart:

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Thank you so much Eily :heart: this is so reassuring and it’s my first time ever having any sort of lump so automatically assumed the worst but so helpful to hear from people who have experienced similar. Sorry you’ve had to go through and that you find yourself here after a diagnosis, hope everything is going well with treatment. I will definitely keep posted on here, hopefully sooner rather than later! Thanks so much for well wishes and positive thoughts! :heart:

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Thanks so much for responding and for sharing your experience, it does sound similar. I think I’ve checked so much since I found the lump that it’s no wonder I’m noticing any little change. Hopefully any checks for yours come with positive news, an on the spot ultrasound would be amazing! The waiting and unknown is so hard, I’m trying to trick myself into trusting it’s something benign and not let it consume me and if its not then I’ll deal with that when the time comes! Thanks again x

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Hello enia1703,

Thank you for posting. It is understandable you are looking for reassurance. Finding a breast lump and waiting to be seen at the breast clinic can be a stressful time.

Although we cannot say what might be causing this lump, most lumps are not cancer. Breast changes can happen for many reasons. As @amaris34 has experienced they can be due to many other reasons, such as injury, hormonal changes as part of your monthly cycle (if you are still having periods) or due to benign conditions (not cancer). Most women find their breasts change quite a bit throughout their lifetime.

It is natural to worry and to spend lots of time on forums and google but as @Eily says, focusing only on what you know to be real and dealing with things one step at a time can be helpful. You may find some of this information from Anxiety UK useful in helping you manage your worry.

If you do feel the lump is getting bigger or changing, we would suggest you speak with your GP again. You can explain your concerns, and they may be able to also offer support in managing your worry whilst you wait for your appointment.

The Northern Ireland Direct website provides information on the standards of care which you can expect from NHS services in Northern Ireland. You can also seek advice from the Patient and Client Council They can listen to your concerns and are able to provide information, advice and help if you want to make a complaint.

If you wanted to make a complaint about your NHS treatment you should contact the complaints department responsible for your local Health and Social Care Trust.

If in the meantime, you would like to talk this through or have any further questions, do call our helpline. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes,

Angela

Breast Care Nurse

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