Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, we still encourage our patients to access their GP & NHS services without them feeling a burden on the NHS at this time.
Breast lumps
If you feel a lump in your breast, you should always get it checked by a GP. Most breast lumps are harmless but some can be serious.
Call the surgery to arrange to see your GP if you notice –
- a lump in your breast or armpit
- any other unusual changes in your breasts – such as the nipple turning inwards, dimpled skin or bloodstained nipple discharge
Changes in the breasts can be a sign of breast cancer. This is easier to treat if it’s found early.
Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding)
A small amount of one-off bleeding from the bottom is not usually a serious problem. But a GP can check.
Check if you’re bleeding from the bottom
You might be bleeding from the bottom if you have:
- blood on your toilet paper
- red streaks on the outside of your poo
- pink water in the toilet bowl
- blood in your poo or bloody diarrhoea
- very dark, smelly poo (this can be blood mixed in poo)
A small amount of one-off bleeding can often go away on its own without needing treatment.
Call the surgery to arrange to see your GP if you notice:
- your child has blood in their poo
- you have had blood in your poo for 3 weeks
- your poo has been softer, thinner or longer than normal for 3 weeks
- you’re in a lot of pain around the bottom
- you have a pain or lump in your tummy
- you have been more tired than usual
- you have lost weight for no reason
Testicle lumps and swellings
Lumps and swellings in the testicles (balls) aren’t usually caused by anything serious, but you should get them checked by a GP.
Call the surgery to arrange to see your GP if you notice:
- a lump in your testicles
- swollen testicles
- a change in the shape of your testicles
- a change in the way your testicles feel
- one testicle that’s become bigger than the other
- aching or discomfort in your testicles that doesn’t go away
Lumps in the testicles can be a sign of testicular cancer. This is easier to treat if it’s found early.
Moles
Moles are small, coloured spots on the skin. Most people have them and they’re usually nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour.
Most moles are harmless
Most harmless moles are round or oval-shaped, with a smooth edge They can be flat or raised and may feel smooth or rough. Sometimes they have hair growing from them
It’s normal for:
- babies to be born with moles
- new moles to appear – especially in children and teenagers
- moles to fade or disappear as you get older
- moles to get slightly darker during pregnancy
Call the surgery to arrange to see your GP if you notice a change in a mole. It’s important to get a new or existing mole checked out if it:
- changes shape or looks uneven
- changes colour, gets darker or has more than 2 colours
- starts itching, crusting, flaking or bleeding
- gets larger or more raised from the skin
These changes can happen over weeks or months. They’re sometimes signs of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Unusual vaginal bleeding
In most cases, abnormal vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of cervical cancer.
This includes bleeding:
- during or after sex
- between your periods
- after you have been through the menopause
Other symptoms
Other symptoms of cervical cancer may include pain and discomfort during sex, unusual or unpleasant vaginal discharge, and pain in your lower back or pelvis.
Call the surgery to arrange to see your GP if you experience:
- bleeding after sex (postcoital bleeding)
- bleeding outside of your normal periods
- new bleeding after the menopause
Vaginal bleeding is very common and can have a wide range of causes, so it does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. However, unusual vaginal bleeding needs to be investigated by your GP.
Please contact the surgery on 01257 513970 to arrange your appointment now.
