Lumps to side of breast and underarm

Dear Paula773 ,

Thank you for getting in touch and a warm welcome to our online community. My name is Gillian and I am one of the cancer information nurse specialists here at Macmillan.

It is good you have started to self-examine your breasts, checking your breast and chest area regularly helps you learn what looks and feels normal for you. This guide explains how to do a self- examination of the breast.

It's understandable to feel concerned when you notice changes in your body. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the lymphatic system and play a role in fighting infections. Feeling lymph nodes in the breast and underarm area can sometimes be normal. However, if you notice there are many and some are fixed (not moving), or have grown larger recently, it is important to speak to a GP. We normally say if it is a new symptom, a symptom that persists, gets worse or is changing then you must make your doctor aware.

I understand it might be challenging to find time for a GP visit, it is important to prioritise your health. Getting a review from your GP may give you peace of mind.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

 Gillian (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref/PN/GG

Hi gillian

thanks for this. I seen my GP yesterday and where I’ve found hard like lumps on both sides she also found a lump under my arm in left side, a thickening within breast tissue in left side, left nipple abnormalities and what she thinks is a definite lump on right side with a probable cyst. So alll in I’m likely looking at something more than a couple of swollen lymph nodes. I’m red flagged with a view to be seen within 2 to 4 weeks and she was very definitive that if I had not been seen by 4th July to get in contact with her urgently. Can you please tell me what’s likely to happen at this next appointment? I’m a nurse myself and usually very stoic and prefer to do these things by myself but my husband is wanting to come along - do you think it’s necessary for another person to be there? - I mean do I not do all tests and then come back another day for results? Whilst my GP was amazing and I trust her emphatically she was very clear these were not cysts (apart from one) and was giving me information about survival rates now of breast cancer (although I appear to have no memory of what the details of what she was saying at that point when I saw her yesterday) … she all but said it’s cancer. What do you think? 

Hi Gillian,

Thank you so much for getting in touch and for sharing so openly — especially at what I can imagine is an incredibly difficult and emotional time. My name is Gail, and I’m one of the nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Even with your background as a nurse, when it’s you or someone you love, everything feels different. It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, and I want to reassure you that you’re not alone in this.

The referral your GP has made is on what’s often called the "one-stop" breast clinic pathway. At that appointment, it’s likely you’ll be seen by a specialist who will carry out a breast examination and arrange for imaging such as a mammogram and/or ultrasound, depending on what’s most appropriate. If anything appears suspicious during those tests, you may also have a biopsy taken on the same day. The results of any biopsy usually take about a week, though the team may be able to give you some indication of what they think based on what they see at the time.

You mentioned that your husband wants to come with you, and I would gently encourage you to let him. I completely understand your instinct to go alone — many of us in healthcare are used to managing difficult situations independently — but this is different. It can be hard to fully absorb information when you’re understandably anxious or emotional, and having someone there to support you, listen in, and just be present can make a real difference. It’s not a sign of weakness at all, just a reminder that even the strongest among us deserve care and support when it’s personal.

It also sounds like your GP has handled this with a great deal of compassion and clinical judgment. She’s acted promptly, been open with you about her concerns, and ensured that you’ll be seen within the appropriate timeframe.

I understand how difficult it is to sit with the unknown—especially when she mentioned things like survival rates. That may have been her way of gently preparing you while still acknowledging the seriousness of her findings. Please try to keep in mind that many published survival statistics don’t always reflect the continuous progress being made in cancer treatment.

At this stage, the most important step is to find out whether the lump is benign or cancerous. If it does turn out to be breast cancer, the biopsy will also identify the specific type. There are several different types of breast cancer, each with its own treatment approach and outlook. Knowing the exact type will help your medical team create a treatment plan that’s tailored to you.

You’re not alone in this, and we’re here whenever you need support.

Whatever happens next, please know you’ve done all the right things. You’re advocating for yourself with courage, and we’re here if you need to talk anything through — whether that’s before your appointment or after. You can always reach us on 0808 808 00 00, every day from 8am to 8pm.

With warmest wishes,
Gail

Ref:hl/amcg