Breast lump ultrasound today, what should I expect?

[Redcrescentmoon]

Hi all 👋🏻
I’m posting in AIBU for traffic.

I’ve got a lump in my breast and I’ve got an ultrasound appointment this afternoon. I’m wondering what an ultrasound is going to show, I mean, surely they would do a mammogram instead?
I don’t know what I’m asking but I’m getting really nervous. What if it’s cancer? Can they tell today from an ultrasound? Won’t they need to do a biopsy? I just want to find out what it is as I can’t stand the not knowing 😭

If you’re under 40, often mammograms are less useful as your breast tissue is very dense. Ultrasounds are painless and very accurate.

You usually lie on a bed with your top off and an arm above your head and they put gel on (like a pregnancy ultrasound) and then move a wand (can’t remember the real name!) all round the tissue so they can see the lump from all angles.

If it’s a cyst or multiple cysts, they may offer to drain then and there which is very satisfying to watch on screen. They can do biopsies as well.

I have many lumps, regularly, all cysts. Ultrasound is so good for diagnostics and better than a mammogram. Good luck,

Thank you for the info 😊 I’m mid 40’s which is why I thought they might do a mammogram instead.
So when they do the ultrasound, if they need to, they could do a biopsy then and there? Is that something that is going to be painful? My head is all over the place

When I had a lump they did the ultrasound and then I got to see a consultant right after who explained what the lump was, in my case it was a bit of breast tissue fat that had came loose so no worries really. They could tell that from the ultrasound but I think if it was unclear then it would be mammogram and biopsy. I was about 38 when this happened. Hope it all goes well for you!

The biopsy is not painful and is very quick. I think they gave me a quick numbing injection first. The worst bit is waiting for results. Hopefully you won't even need a biopsy though!

Thank you so much. I thought it would be an ultrasound then send me home to wait for the results. If I’m going to know today, that’s much better (but also much scarier)

I had an ultrasound mid 40s and they found a lump which mammogram (same day) had missed.

they did a biopsy then and there (local anaesthetic) and got results a few days later

Mine was a pappiloma (had never heard of that before) which they removed under general after a wire guide was put in by ultrasound

No issues since

Hope all goes well OP

Thanks, that makes me feel better about it should I need a biopsy.

I think it’s not knowing anything about the process which has made me nervous plus my Mum died of cancer (not breast) and it’s brought up all sorts of feelings for me

@Redcrescentmoon when I found a lump in my breast I had ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy all done in one day. The staff were incredibly friendly, held my hand when I asked as I was scared. Sending the biggest of gentle hugs x 🫂💐❤️ please keep us updated x

I had a lump investigated last year at 42. I had a mammogram first then a second, different type of mammogram due to dense breast tissue.
then a biopsy where they said they were confident it was a fatty lump but they did a biopsy just to be sure. I was given a numbing injection, a tiny incision was made then they took the biopsy which was painless. Closed up with steri strips and a dressing and it healed up in a couple of days. Everything was done in that first appointment with a follow up 2 weeks later when the biopsy results were in.
Thankfully they were right and it was nothing to worry about. The lump is no longer there and they think that the biopsy puncturing the sac encouraged it to be re absorbed.
wishing you well for your appointment