Worried - just had GP appointment & breast exam

[Worriedkat]

So, I've had problems with the right breast for over 2 years. It seemed to change shape slightly, the nipple is in a slightly different place and without a bra it feels really heavy, and often achey and sore. The pain is non-specific, can change where on the breast it is, and not cyclical. I had a referral to the breast clinic 2 years ago where I was lucky to see the top consultant, u/s and mammo revealed nothing.

So anyway, the problem has rumbled on and off since. I went to see one of the better (imo) GP's today and its worried me. She examined both breasts (tender on exam) and said they were both pretty lumpy. In particular, one lump on my affected side she said to the student "come and feel this lump, can you feel it". I didn't know I had any lumps at all, I cant feel them! She also said the nipple on the affected side was a bit wonky, I think its been like that for a good while actually.

So now I'm worried, naturally I guess. She said that she wasn't overly concerned (but do they all say that so you don't panic pre-clinic visit?). She thinks its cysts and the clinic could drain them which would reduce the pain. I said I was going on holiday next week for 10 days, she said she couldn't refer me immediately as the appointment would come through when I'm away, so I have to phone the medical secretary the very day I get back to get the referral actioned (which also worries me).

Do you think they would have had me in prompt, ie this week, if she was worried? She seemed very certain that in her view she wasn't overly worried, she thought the lymph nodes felt fine. I don't know whether to get a private referral in the next 2 days or whether to go on holiday and try not to worry. Its our first abroad holiday in 12 years so I'd like to be able to enjoy it without this lingering in the background.

[RahRahRasputin]

Hi worried, I'm no expert on breast issues but I've picked up a bit after spending time on the Tamoxifen threads.

The speed of referral does not mean that they are particularly concerned. There is a 2 week rule for breast lumps and other things which could indicate cancer of any kind. The vast majority of breast lumps are entirely harmless, I don't know about the other symptoms.

If you want to chat about it, and get more useful information, you could pop over to the latest Tamoxifen thread. Posters waiting for referrals or test results are more than welcome :) some of the posters are very knowledgeable.

Others have also had the appointments before or after holiday dilemma so may be able to weigh in on that too.

All the best