Tiny nodules on chest, spreading. Breast lump

Hi, 

 

I went to see my GP on Tuesday because I had found a lump in my breast.

 

He urgently referred me to the breast department at the hospital and the following day I got a phone call to arrange an appointment. They offered me an appointment on Friday morning, but I’m a small business owner and that is out busiest time so I asked if I could take a different appointment. We agreed on Monday afternoon. But before I ended the call the receptionist stressed that the doctor had asked for an urgent appointment and that it was important for me to attend as he suspected cancer. 

 

There has been stuff going on in the background that I’ve kind of ignored… 

 

I tend to have quite lumpy breasts anyway. Its not the kind of thing you compare to mates so I don’t really know what feels normal. I remember going to the Gp about 20 years ago with what I thought might have been a lump, she was quite dismissive and told me I just had lumpy breasts so I tend no to bother self examining as I’m not really sure what to look for. I’m 45, I’ll be 46 in February.

 

I have had greenish discharge from my left nipple for years. It started shortly after my daughter was born who is now 14 so I kind of put it down to that I think. 

 

During my pregnancy with my youngest daughter who is now 3 I noticed what I thought were skin tags on my chest between my breasts. Over time more and more have appeared. The ones closest to the original site are bigger while they appear to have “spread” with more, smaller ones appearing above and below the original site.

 

In addition to this my bra size has increased by about 2 sizes over the past 6 to 12 months. I put this down to weight gain and hormonal changes as I approach menopause. 

 

A week ago I noticed a breast lump at the bottom of my left breast. It’s oval shaped, probably about 15mm to 20mm and its movable. I assumed it was a cyst but thought I’d get it checked out anyway. The Gp said he felt a lump at the side of my breast and said he would refer me.

 

I have been go ogling. I know people say not to, but I do want answers. I didn’t mention the skin tags to my Gp, but now I think they could be significant and that they could be a sign of secondary skin cancer. I can also feel a small, painful lump in my arm pit. 

 

I am sure it’s just anxiety, but I’m also finding that my chest feels really tight and breathing is painful. 

 

I’d really like to hear from people who have had similar symptoms so I can get an idea about what to expect. 

 

Thank you. 

Hi LttleLadygrey

 

I’m due my appointment today after finding a lump 2 weeks ago. I know the wait seems lengthy and my mind has gone through every scenario!

 

In can’t tell you not to worry as that is a natural reaction to all that is going on but I do know that you’ve been referred to someone who can examine you and hopefully answer all your questions.

 

I too have multiple skin tags below my breasts  which have increased in number over the years I have had previous breast clinic referrals and these have never been an issue of concern for the staff. (I’m 47). As a nurse I am also aware that breast cancer does not typically spread to the skin, I hope that puts your mind at rest a bit.

 

I hope all goes well for you on Monday x