Probable new cyst, do I mention it?

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi,

I’ve just completed radiotherapy 7 weeks ago following lumpectomy for high grade DCIS.

My DCIS was found last Oct due to a mammogram triggered by a large cyst in my non DCIS breast. I was also told I have dense fibrous multi cyst breasts bilaterally, all a surprise to me.

I’ve since noticed a new (most likely) cyst in the ‘good, untreated breast’ again it’s quite noticeable and palpable. I don’t want to take up breast clinic time as likely another cyst but should I contact my breast care team? My follow up appointment was due early May but been put back to late July due to staffing. Should I wait or not, don’t want to be a nuisance when I’ve been told I have cystic breasts, but it is new?

Thank you

2

Hi there,

I would say that the fact you are posting this, on here, would seem to suggest that it’s preying on your mind?… I would call your BCNs and see what they say. It very likely IS another cyst but if it puts your mind at rest to sound them out, I’d say it’s worth the phonecall. Let them decide if you might benefit from an earlier appointment. :wink: that is what they are there for. Mine were fantastic when I had concerns- even when unfounded or not a cause for concern (which is the best outcome really). Put your mind at rest :crossed_fingers:

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Definately get it looked at you are never wasting anyone’s time!!!

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I visited the breast clinic 3 times in the 12 months prior to my diagnosis, with the first two being cysts and the third being a stage 1, grade 3 TNBC tumour. I put off going the third time because I was 99.9% sure it was just another cyst - it certainly felt like one!

Recently I’ve noticed that the tissue under my lumpectomy site is pretty lumpy, which I think is probably scar tissue, and I have a hard area in the untreated breast, which I think has always felt like that. But I’m not 100% sure so I called my BCN and they thought getting it looked at was absolutely the right thing to do so I’m there for an ultrasound tomorrow.

I completely understand that feeling of not wanting to be a nuisance, but if I ever feel like that, I just think about where I’d be if I’d have left that third visit any longer.

If you’re not absolutely 100% sure it’s nothing, which you’re not :wink:, get it checked. x

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Thank you for replies.

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Hi,

Just wanted to say I decided to call my breast care nurse and they have said as a new lump (probable cyst) as I’ve had breast cancer needs to be checked. So thank you for advice, I still feel like a nuisance but was thinking about it this morning and decided I must advocate for myself and not worry about time wasting.

Thank you all xx

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Hi leae,

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Couldn’t agree more! Much better to get these things checked. All the best :crossed_fingers::crossed_fingers:

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Great stuff! Hope it turns out to be nothing to worry about. x

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Very sensible. Good luck to you too. Always best to get it checked out, especially given all of our histories :crossed_fingers::crossed_fingers:

Xx

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Thank you and yes I completely agree!

I definitely do understand that feeling though. When I was at the clinic last week to decide whether I needed the ultrasound, even though I knew I’d done the right thing going, I was still all but apologising to the nurse and almost trying to excuse being there by explaining how I now worry about every little lump, bump, ache and pain, and she said, “that’s completely understandable, this is life changing”. And I said “yes! It is life changing. Thank you!” That meant a lot.

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Hi @leae,

Thanks for your post.

It’s understandable that as you have been told you have dense fibrous multi cystic breasts bilaterally, you think you have a developed a new cyst in your untreated breast. However, as @misswoof-88, @claspe and @mssteel say it’s important to contact your breast care nurse or treatment team about any new or persistent changes. You are not being a nuisance.

From your further post it sounds like you have spoken to your breast care nurse, and they are going to check the lump. Your treatment team can assess and discuss what the new change could be and if it is another cyst, they can also suggest how to best to manage. It may be helpful to discuss your follow-up with them so you know who and when to contact with any other concerns.

We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

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