Nodule on back

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi

Not looking for diagnosis, but rather hoping someone will tell me I’m being paranoid.

I’m almost 3 years post diagnosis. Not in active treatment. Been discharged by Onc & Surgery.

I have a long term back pain problem. I’ve joined a gym recently and may have overdone it a little. My back pain is quite sore towards the bottom of my ribs on my right at the back.

On Saturday I was rubbing my back and found a nodule. It’s between two ribs at the bottom. It’s hard and round about 3 or 4 mm - not as big as a pea though. It’s sore to touch. The skin isn’t red or inflamed. You can’t see anything by eye, but it can be felt.

I’m thinking it’s a lump of fat or muscle knot. It’s not scar tissue as its not near my surgeries. I feel its unlikely to be cancer related and hope someone here can echo that.

My GP isn’t the greatest, I get short shrift when I go.

Anyone got any comments?

Thank you

2

Hi snookie have you got a bcn you were under , why not give her a ring to put your mind at rest . You should still be under the team for 5 years . Good luck

3

Hi Snookie

Thanks for posting. It can be really difficult when you find any changes in your body after treatment for breast cancer, and it’s not unusual to feel as if you are being paranoid.

Nearly everyone who has been treated for cancer worries about whether it may come back in the future (recurrence), particularly as you have noticed a nodule between 2 of your ribs and are suffering from back pain. We are unable to say whether your back pain is as a result of overdoing it in the gym, or the possible causes of the nodule you have found.

As @charlottebee has suggested it would be a good idea to contact your breast care nurse if you are still in contact with her, or alternatively make an appointment with your GP and they can refer you back to your treatment team if they feel that it is appropriate. Although it sounds as if your GP hasn’t been very helpful, it’s important to let them know your symptoms.

You may also be interested in our range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer. They include face to face and online courses and events.

For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.

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, (Relay UK - prefix 18001).

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Best wishes

Carolyn

Breast Care Nurse

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