Hi I went to see my gp on Wednesday because I found a lump. The gp examined me and said because the lump is mobile that it’s a fibroadenoma and nothing to worry about. However I’ve read since that all lumps should be referred so that this can be confirmed. Especially since I’m 45 and these are more common in younger women. I’m worried because I don’t see how the doctor can be so sure without sending me for checks. Is it true that if a lump is mobile it’s definitely a fibroadenoma and therefore benign? I wish I could feel happier about what she said but still worried because gps are not specialists and feel I want to be sure. She said to go back if it gets bigger but don’t really want to wait until that happens. Any experience of this would be really helpful. Thanks.
I’m absolutely no expert - However, I have read through a massive amount of old posts on these boards, since joining a few days ago, and from what I have read, there are likely senarios (mobile generally considered less suspicious) but nothing is set in stone as a hard and fast rule. I think that guidelines say that if you are over 30 and present with a lump, they should refer you on the two week rule (someone please correct me if I am wrong?) - I’m sure I found a link to guidelines on this site somewhere. If I find the link I will post it.
Could you ask for an appointment with a different doctor, or for a telephone appointment with one and ask to be referred on to have it checked?
Clair
For your own peace of mind if nothing else, I would try and get an appointment with another of the doctors at your GP surgery and see what they say. The guidelines are that if there is a suspicious lump then a referral should be made to a brast clinic, because they are the expert and have the appropriate resources to check them out and you should be seen within two weeks of the referral being made. The thing is you need to be assured that there is nothing wrong and if you are not then go back.
Let us know how you get on xxx
Thanks for your replies. I think I will see another gp. I don’t really feel reassured, even though hopefully it’s ok. But I thought I would be referred to be honest. But she made me feel like I was wasting her time. I’m from Wales so not sure if the guidelines are different. She gave me a leaflet which I read when I got home and even that said most lumps should be checked especially if you are over 30. Just need peace of mind really. Xx
Hi just to update. I went to a different Gp today and straight away he’s referred me. He said there’s no way to tell what it is without further tests. So although I’ve got to do the 2 week wait, I’m actually relieved that il have whatever it is confirmed. So thank you for encouraging me to go back. I do worry that the first Gp is not referring other women and hope she is not taking unnecessary risks. Thanks again.
Clare xxx
Fingers crossed all will be well xxx
Thanks. The doctor I saw is very senior at the surgery ( I should have seen him first but thought a woman may be more understanding- I was wrong) and I did say I was very concerned about the other doctor not referring me. However he was very careful not to say anything about the doctor, probably because he doesn’t want the practice to look bad but I hope he speaks to her and tells her she needs to be referring women who present with a lump. You can’t take chances. Xxx