I found a lump in my breast around 4 1/2 years ago when I was 18 and went to see my GP, I was referred on a non-urgent basis and saw a specialist after around 2 months. He did an ultrasound and said it was nothing. He didn't make me feel very comfortable and I wasn't happy with the way he treated me or his diagnosis but it took me two more years to go back to my GP about this. I saw a different doctor at the same surgery and he read the letter from the specialist two years earlier and didn't even examine me.

It's taken me a further two years and a lot of pushing from my boyfriend to go back to my GP about this. The lump has grown and it's become painful. My GP examined me and when I told her that the doctor the first time had trouble feeling it her face dropped. She said it's now around 2 inches big. She read the letter from the specialist and in it he had written that he also could find the lump at the time. The lump is in exactly the same place as it was then so obviously it was there and he didn't examine me thoroughly enough.

Aside from my anger, I'm scared. I've been referred urgently now despite no family history of cancer and the fact that I'm only 22. I've done the worst possible thing and looked at information online and no other lump that I've read about is lumpy, whereas mine is. All others including cysts seem to be round and/or smooth. Mine's hard, not rounded and lumpy. It's positioned right next to my nipple.

My appointment is next Thursday. In my appointment before I just had an ultrasound, I don't know if I should just expect the same or maybe a biopsy as well?

As much as I'd like to hear "you'll be fine", I'd also appreciate honesty.

Thanks to all in advance.

Hi sweetie, first of all welcome to the board, I am Diana and I am the cl here and always availiable if you need to chat it out.

Pesonally I have no experience in a lump which is more lumpy as mine was just a hard pea like shape so I cant unfotunatly offer any advice as to the shape etc but i will say that I am so saddened that you have been poorly treated tilll this point and i hope that you get some answers come your appointment.

I do know however that due to the size and position you will likely be scanned again and I would be suprised if they dont now do a biopsy, even just to be on the safe side

I understand fully also how much you are scared and looking for answers is natural and also more frightening as with a few keywords we can all self diagnose ourselves with the worst case scenarios that google or the www in general finds us.  I know its patronising but please try to remain positive... its the only thing that will get you through the upcoming appointment and possibly the aftermath from there on.

i am always about (now my lapop is tunning smoothly again) so drop me a line if you need any further help.

also there are some wonderful links at bottom of the board to other cancer support networks at which you may find a few more answers or people in same situation.

take care and keep us posted. x