Been referred to breast clinic. Does this mean i ahve cancer?

[Anxious Female]

Hi. I'm 27 years old. I've had a moveable, smallish lump in my left breast for about a month. Today i went to see my GP about it, even though i really didn't want to. My GP said that she thinks that it's something called a "breast mouse" and that she isn't concerned but has referred me to a breast clinic.

I'm absolutely terrified that it's cancer and having to have all these tests done. I hated having her examine me, it makes me feel violated. Why would she referrer me to a clinic if she wasn't concerned?

There's no history of breast cancer in my family and my GP said there wasn't anything abnormal about my breasts apart from the lump.

[Beckie4567]

They are probably referring you to just double check wudnt u rather be referred and double check rather than leave it and ull be constantly worrying about it I'm sure ull,be fine Hun try not to worry hopefully u won't be waiting to long x

[Cambrian49]

I feel for you - I would be a mess. The only thing I hope makes u feel better is that it think statistically 80% of breast lumps are fine and given ur age ur at lower risk of anything sinister. My friend recently went through a similar thing and she was given really helpful literature to read that explained the most likely cause of the lump and the stats etc.. Maybe look at a trusted website such as the NHS and see if it's in line. Regardless it's always best to get these things checked out early so you've done the right thing bu seeing ur doc. Xxx

[Tessar]

Anxious Female..... Your referral does not mean you have cancer. The reason your doctor has referred you is to ensure the bump (most likely a breast mouse) is checked out. I appreciate fully why you'd be concerned but it isn't beneficial at all to allow yourself to think all sorts here. I suggest keeping busy .... Deliberately Keep your mind off it. Remind yourself that no amount of agonising will change the outcome either bit what it will do in the meantime is generate alot of anxiety for you and a whole host of unpleasant symptoms. Much better to pass the time by keeping busy, distracted etc.... Especially with things that are productive or relaxing and help you de-stress.

[Anxious Female]

Hi. Thank you for replying. I'm trying not to panic. I suffer from anxiety though so it's going to be tough. I've got this horrible feeling that my GP is lying about it not being serious.

[meche]

Trust me - your GP is not lying to you. It's not in his/her best interest. I had one of these 2 years ago. My lump is huge - 3 x 5cm. I left mine for weeks before I plucked up the courage to make an appointment. She also called mine a breast mouse but as with all lumps regardless of what they may or may not be, they have to refer you to the breast clinic. They will examine you, take a needle biopsy (painless) & do a scan & you will get the results back really quick. The proper name for what you have is a fibroadenoma - a harmless, fleshy breast lump. It will NEVER turn cancerous. Mine can cause me a bit of discomfort at certain times but it doesn't worry me. xxx

[Tessar]

Hi. Thank you for replying. I'm trying not to panic. I suffer from anxiety though so it's going to be tough. I've got this horrible feeling that my GP is lying about it not being serious.

AF..... Stick to the facts you KNOW.

Don't try to guess or mind read.

It won't help you at all.

You have a "feeling". Not a fact.

Hopefully I don't sound abrupt as that not my intention but I am hoping to guide you away from thinking negatively.

Turn this on its head into a positive. You are sensible for having it checked out, well done for that.

Now c'mon.... STOP this over thinking. It is not helping.....

[Anxious Female]

AF..... Stick to the facts you KNOW.

Don't try to guess or mind read.

It won't help you at all.

You have a "feeling". Not a fact.

Hopefully I don't sound abrupt as that not my intention but I am hoping to guide you away from thinking negatively.

Turn this on its head into a positive. You are sensible for having it checked out, well done for that.

Now c'mon.... STOP this over thinking. It is not helping.....

Sorry but i can't help it. Unless you're in my situation you don't know what it's like.

[Tessar]

Hi AF, you are right, I cannot know what it is like tho I have had a lump checked many many years ago, that was ok of course. My partner went thro the tests (ultrasound, needle biopsy etc). Got the results the same day. I was there with her every step of the way. So I have in those respects been thro the process and felt many of the feelings associated its it.
The reason I suggest font thinking about it non stop is because I do know how anxious it can make you.
It was probably 10yrs ago when it happened and I learned a very big lesson from it....
That worrying will not change the outcome.
It is important to distract yourself and it is a choice you can make.
If you can do that, the time until u resolve this will also pass more quickly :-)

[Anxious Female]

Hi AF, you are right, I cannot know what it is like tho I have had a lump checked many many years ago, that was ok of course. My partner went thro the tests (ultrasound, needle biopsy etc). Got the results the same day. I was there with her every step of the way. So I have in those respects been thro the process and felt many of the feelings associated its it.
The reason I suggest font thinking about it non stop is because I do know how anxious it can make you.
It was probably 10yrs ago when it happened and I learned a very big lesson from it....
That worrying will not change the outcome.
It is important to distract yourself and it is a choice you can make.
If you can do that, the time until u resolve this will also pass more quickly :-)

I'm trying to distract myself but the waiting is driving me insane. if my GP isn't "concerned" then why put someone through all this?