What happens at the breast clinic?

[BitchQueen90]

I have a lump in my breast. Hospital appointment is on Thursday. Urgent 2 week referral from my doctor.

Can anyone tell me exactly what happens? I have no idea what to expect, I'm presuming tests but what kind?

I'm so nervous. I expected my doctor just to say it's nothing but after she felt the lump she immediately gave me a referral I'm 26 so I was even more surprised as I know I'm not in the likely age range for breast cancer.

[MOIST]

I was seen just a couple of weeks ago.
I first had to fill in a form. With details of what was wrong (lump/discharge etc). Family history. Mefication. That sort of stuff.
Then I went in for a mammogram. Like in an X-ray room. Standing up. My boobs (both sides) were squashed between plastic plates and 2 X-rays of each taken.
Then I went in to see a consultant who had reviewed the mammogram images. (My mammogram was clear - phew!) The doc had me lie down and had a good feel around. (She also had me squeeze out some of the gunk that I was there for - they sent this for cytology).

The nurses and doc were all lovely. Very calm, professional and nice.

As you are young they may do an ultrasound rather than a mammogram as your boob tissue is denser when young. I had one of those years ago - you lie down and the lights are turned down. They then run the scanner over both boobs.

Good luck!

[MOIST]

The GP will (or should) always do a rapid referral with boob stuff.

If you have to consult Dr Google please don't dispare. Remember that's always the worst case stuff.

[MOIST]

And lean on your friends for support if you are feeling unhinged.

[BitchQueen90]

Thank you for the info! Was there a lot of waiting around?

I know there's not a lot I can do to be honest, I'm not generally an anxious person but I wasn't expecting to be referred. I hate hospitals. Hopefully will be nothing to worry about.

[MOIST]

Waiting was about 10 minutes before going in for the scan/mammogram. Then about half an hour to see the doc. Not too awful. I took my kindle and there was s TV in the waiting room.

[Tummelthecat]

I had a lump about 6 months ago, which turned out to be just a fatty lump. I had a mamogam, ultrasound and examination by the doctor. Everyone was kind and professional. Try and remember that 9 out of 10 lumps are nothing to worry about and don't google if you value your sanity! NHS guidelines mean you are supposed to be seen quickly if you have a lump n your breast.
In my case the worrying beforehand was far worse than the event, and I hope its the same for you. Good luck.

[WhatInTheWorldIsGoingOn]

I think being seen with two weeks is the NHS timeframe anyway so wlinwouldnt worry about that too much.

When I went I waited for ages got called through where they did an ultrasound told me on the spot that it all looked ok. Then waited again and saw the consultant. She had a really good, careful check. She was also happy that it was nothing to worry about for now and signed me off.

The staff were wonderful. I mean really wonderful. I never felt rushed or that they were too busy. They were thorough and really took their time which made me feel reassured.

[Tummelthecat]

I forgot about the waiting about. It took most of the morning in my case, so definitely take your book. I forgot to say - I took my husband as well, and he got to come in with me for the ultrasound and examination. I found that really helpful.

[BlueGoats]

I went for the first time a few weeks ago and was very impressed. Everyone was friendly and happy to answer questions.

Had a first appointment with a consultant who looked at and felt the lump and recommended an ultrasound and a biopsy.

As the appointment had been at the end of the day I had to come back a couple of days later for those. The ultrasound was very quick and the doctor explained what they could see and took some measurements. For the biopsy, they did a local anaesthetic injection first (just like the dentist) so it didn't hurt, just felt odd. I had a dressing on and was a bit tender for a few days, but carried on doing everything as normal.

Had another appointment for results (which took about a week to be available) and was told what the lump was and that it didn't need any treatment.

[Musicaltheatremum]

I refer all breast lumps. A lot will be benign but it's impossible to tell on examination,I hope yours is OK op but don't worry too much at having been referred urgently as it is just to help you.

[DubiousCredentials]

Turn up
Fill out form for relevant history
See consultant for chat and examination
Short wait for ultrasound - was told and shown what he was seeing on the screen
Short wait
Chat with consultant to review ultrasound findings and advice re treatment or follow up if necessary

good luck