I was just wondering about the difference between lumpy breast tissue and an actually lump. When I went to the GP they described my lump as a large pea size hard lump and noted it was deeply embedded in the breast tissue. However when I went to a private clinic for a breast exam after having an ultrasound I got told that I just had lumpy breast tissue and they said nothing about a specific lump. I’m just asking is can lumpy breast tissue cause specific lumps? Feeling a bit anxious about everything and not really sure who to ask.
Hi he98
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I have really lumpy breasts but my actual lump felt very different to the rest of the tissue so was very noticeable. The ultrasound of my lump showed like a black hole and stood out compared to the surrounding areas, so if this wasn’t the case that is very reassuring; that said I understand your concern at being told two different things. Did your GP not refer you to the breast clinic? They are very thorough and will do mammograms and ultrasounds (although I think mammograms may depend on your age…with younger women I think they may not do them - although I may be wrong).
Might be worth having another chat with your GP to put your mind at rest?
Thank you so much for the responses! My gp did refer me but they could only get me in around 10 days later and I was having lots of anxiety around it so decided to go private for my peace of mind. The ultrasound showed nothing so I’m sure that is definitely a good sign. However I can definitely feel a harder lump on my left compared to my right side which is also quite lumpy. Yes they said due to my age a mammogram wouldn’t be appropriate. Wishing you the best in your treatment 
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Hi, I just wanted to reply to say I too understand your concerns and uncertainty.
I had breast cancer in 2018, 2 operations to remove it and 23 sessions of radiotherapy. Since then I’ve had 4 operations to reconstruct my breast.
Three weeks ago I got discharged from the breast clinic, it’s been a long journey so I was really happy. Two days later I found a pea size lump in the same breast. Like you I also have a lumpy breast due to scar tissue but my GP said this was a definite lump, I am on the 2WW list and should have an appointment soon. I have since found a second lump in the same breast.
I just wanted to reassure you it’s normal to feel this way. Part of you thinks it’s just a cyst or fatty tissue but there’s also that niggling feeling that it might not be. I really do think you should go back to the doctors, they will either reassure you or suggest being checked out again via the NHS who do an amazing job by the way.
In the meantime please talk to your mum or a close friend, it really does help to talk about your fears with someone else. Please keep in touch with us too.
I wish you well. Sue x
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I’ve decided it’s probably best for me to make an appointment soon just to express my concerns and maybe just talk through some of my anxieties. Thank you so much! Hoping everything works out for you 
Hi he98
Thank you for posting.
As @SueDerb says it is natural to feel anxious when you find a breast lump, and it is understandable that you have questions after being told two different things.
Your breasts may feel lumpy or different around the time of your period, but they’ll often settle down again when it’s over. Breast tissue naturally has a lumpy texture. Lumps that feel harder or different from the rest of the breast (or the other breast) or that feel like a change as you describe should be checked.
Breast changes, including lumps, can happen for many reasons. They may be due injury, due to hormonal changes as part of your monthly cycle or due to benign conditions (not cancer). You’ll probably find your breasts change quite a bit throughout your life. You mention that a mammogram wasn’t recommended due to your age, which suggests you may be under 40. Breast cancer is uncommon in women in their 20s and 30s so the lump you have noticed is more likely to be because of one of the reasons mentioned above rather than cancer.
When you notice a breast change, we always suggest you make an appointment with your GP to be assessed as you have already done. You say that your private ultrasound assessment did not show anything which is reassuring. As you remain anxious it is a good idea to return to your GP to discuss your concerns further as @sharlou suggests and you plan on doing. They can talk through the results of your private assessment, may refer you back to the breast clinic if it is appropriate and explore ways to help you with your anxiety.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Katy
Breast Care Nurse
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