What to expect at the breast clinic?

[Funnyfunnyhaha]

Hey Guys,

So I found a lump in my breast and I've been referred to the breast clinic week after next, I'm 29 and absolutely no idea what to expect when I go there.

Anyone had any experiences and can tell me what type of things to expect?

[DottyDotAgain]

Hi

I was referred to a local service by my GP a few months ago and have to say it was an amazing service. I had a mammogram (bit weird/uncomfortable but not as painful as I was worrying about), then straight away had an ultrasound, then saw a consultant who examined me and had the results of both tests straight away. All was fine - lumps and bumps part of being peri-menopausal so I feel very lucky.

Hopefully your experience will be similar - I was so grateful for the NHS and this amazing service it provides - I was nervous and all the staff I saw were wonderful - calm and caring and there to support patients whatever their results. Good luck - hope all goes well!

[elevenswan]

When I went I saw a doctor first who examined me. Then went into a separate waiting room for a bit, then had an ultrasound. I’m 29 too they said mammograms aren’t great for young boobs sometimes. Then back into the main waiting room for about an hour or so (it was very busy) and then back to see the original doctor who have me the all clear. I think depending on the examination/ultrasound/mammogram etc you may have to have a needle biopsy too, that’s what they told me but thankfully I didn’t need it. They aim to do it all in one day, I was there for about 3 hours total I think. They’re really nice in there and will look after you. Hope it goes ok!

[Fairylea]

I’ve been referred to the breast clinic too op. I’m 37 and my boobs are pretty lumpy anyway due to prolactin / pituitary issues but I’m a bit worried about one lump that hasn’t gone away like they normally do. I’m reading replies with curiosity. My appointment is the week after next. Here to hand hold!

[MajorClanger123]

Hi all,
I've been twice in the last 2 years. I'm 38 and had pain and lumps (both times in left breast).

I saw a consultant first, who performed a thorough exam of both breasts, then i had an ultrasound (too young for mammo) followed by consultant again to give the all clear. Takes around 2 hours in total.

They're super lovely, super efficient, just remember to ask lots of questions. I forgot and when they said all was ok I didn't ask what the lump I could feel actually was, (too relieved to think straight!), and when it might go away, if ever. I had to telephone a week later to ask for a full explanation, so they posted me all my notes, which are still really reassuring to have.

Good luck - you'll feel fine once you're there. It's the waiting / not knowing that is the worse bit.

[dontpokethebear]

Hi Op. I'm 36 and I went last week.
I was a wreck, as I went to the GP more to reassure dh that it was nothing to worry about, so when she said she wanted to refer me to clinic and I had an appt by that afternoon for the following week, I had started to worry.
Of course all clinics will be different, but my experience was a positive one.
I was seen by a nurse specialist, who had a feel and immediately reassured me that she didn't think it was anything sinister.
I then had a scan (after quite a long wait), the consultant then confirmed that it was benign.
I then went back to the nurse specialist who gave me pointers on checking for further lumps and changes.
All the hcps I saw that day were wonderful and very kind. I was also surprised by the amount of, what I'd consider to be, younger women in the waiting room.

Good luck with your appointment.

[PlayOnWurtz]

I'm off to the breast clinic tomorrow so I'll let you know

[hennipenni]

I went earlier this year after finding a lump.
Very kind staff, was examined by a nurse specialist who drew around the lump with pen, then had a mammagram and ultrasound and then seen by a doctor who told me I had a huge cyst.This was drained- nothing to this, cold spray applied to the skin then a needle inserted to drain off the fluid with the aid of ultrasound, honestly could only feel some pushing and found it fascinating watching in the screen. Quite an enjoyable experience - but I'm wierd like that!

[Funnyfunnyhaha]

Hello everyone,

You're all awesome for replying, you've put my mind at ease quite a bit. As a PP said I'm amazed by the amount of people referred, just from the responses. Ive got the horrible wait now til my appointment! But I'm not as worried as I half have an idea of what will happen IYSWIM!

I'm happy for this to be our shared support/advice thread, so those who are attending this week and next, please come back and share your updates if you feel comfortable doing so.

All the best ladies

[MajorClanger123]

I would also second what dontpoke said - the afternoon that I went to breast clinic this year, there was a very elderly lady, me (38) and then 2 definitely younger ladies at the clinic.

Good luck with your appointments - I would say that the NHS is pretty darn amazing when it comes to breast lumps and pain, these one stop clinics are fantastic.

[TarquinsMama]

Please can I join? Mammogram last week, letter the next day asking me to come back this Friday for more tests. Trying not to panic at this point, because my mum had breast cancer at 42, and I'm now 40. On increased screenings due to family history. The wait is doing my head in :-( Good luck to all with your appointments too

[PlayOnWurtz]

Going by my experience today (I'm still here!!) You can expect to sit around waiting a lot... in all seriousness I don't mind the waiting as clearly another woman needs them to take their time with her.

I'm currently waiting for an ultrasound on an area of thickened tissue, fully expecting the all clear then I can bugger off home.

[PlayOnWurtz]

Lots of waiting....

My appointment started with seeing the breast nurse and a Dr for an examination. Because of an area of thickened tissue I was sent for an ultrasound that found benign cysts under my nipple. Sent back to be given a leaflet and home!

[DubiousCredentials]

Glad it went ok for you Play

[Funnyfunnyhaha]

Thanks for your update Play must be a weight off your mind now.

Is there a follow up for you or anything?

[PlayOnWurtz]

Well. Yesterday I was told no follow up... today a senior nurse specialist calls me saying she wants me back in 6 weeks

[Funnyfunnyhaha]

That's a bit strange, why weren't you told this at your appointment? Hopefully it's just them being overly cautious!

[PlayOnWurtz]

A trainee was left to explain the findings to me and the trainee took the decision to send me home without a follow up. The senior nurse checked her notes and said that with my symptoms the usual is to review in 6 weeks as if it's a papilloma it will need removing

[CrunchieFeeling]

Hi just been to see my gp about a sore boob which has suddenly got bigger with the nipple pointing a different way. Being referred to the breast clinic, and just wondering how long it might take...

[mrsrhodgilbert]

The nationwide rule is you should be seen within two weeks

[Funnyfunnyhaha]

I ended up having fine needle aspiration on the effected area and it was eye watering! Bit like that scene from pulp fiction.

I have to go back in two weeks.

[Fairylea]

Good luck for your results op.

I ended up having a scan and was told everything was okay and was discharged.

[Crumbs1]

I was seen within 48 hours of GP referral.
Saw consultant and had fine needle aspiration.
Had mammograms.
Had core biopsy under unltrasound guidance.
Went away for a couple of hours and returned to be given news and indicative diagnosis that I was already fairly certain about. It was all fairly efficient but kind. I returned for confirmation of diagnosis 8 days later and had surgery within a fortnight.