What to expect at breast clinic

[MrsMaryMooFace]

Hello

I have been put on the 2 week referral for breast cancer. I'll be attending Glenfield. I've read on the internet there will be a scan and a biopsy but is this for everyone? Or will they do a manual breast examination and say you're fine off you go? Will they say there and then if it's cancer?

Any experience very welcome. I'm very nervous.

Mammogram, ultrasound & consultation for me and told all fine, just a lump.

Sil - all of the above plus a biopsy, was called back to be told results. Treated very sensitively. Treatment all sorted very quickly.

I was at Glenfield. Had examination then mammogram then ultrasound and biopsy. Back about a week later for results. Unfortunately it was cancer for me but I was well looked after there xx

Usually a specialist nurse will take details & do an examination of your breasts, up to your collarbone and your armpits, if you have a lump or lumps they might circle them in pen, then it’s likely you will have a mammogram and an ultrasound of the areas of concern too if you have lumps. Following that a doctor will look at the results and decide whether or not you need a biopsy and they will tell you there and then usually. Sometimes a biopsy is the same day but might be a few days later. Then you wait for results and might be discharged or might need further investigations or treatment. Hope you’re okay x

I've had breast cancer. For me it was a manual examination followed by ultrasound and biopsy. Was called back quickly for results. Treatment followed swiftly thereafter. It is very nerve wracking. They won't usually tell you anything until everything has been thoroughly checked, however, the radiologist did say that my nodes in my armpit were clear which was good news. That was enough of a hint that he thought I had cancer so I was completely prepared for the news when it came. I really hope that it turns out to be nothing for you! Good luck

Thank you so much everyone, really appreciated. Just had my letter through and it does say it could be around 3 hours so that makes sense.

Report it then.

I have been a couple times and not had a biopsy, just mammograms and examination. I was told mine was nothing to worry about so didn’t need the biopsy. There can be a bit of sitting around whilst they look at the mammogram.

For me it was straight to mammogram the. To ultrasound and biopsy. Then went to see the doctor who sent me back for another mammogram and biopsy on the other breast as they had found something else. They then rated the finds on a scale of 1-5 for concern and said they would call me in 7/10 days either to give me results over the phone or to call me back in. They did say they call people back in sometimes even when it isn’t cancer. I got my results on the phone exactly on 7 days. It was all benign thank goodness. I hope it is for you. The unknown and waiting is so hard. I’m sure whatever the procedure is at your hospital you will be treated with care. Everyone I dealt with was so lovely and reassuring and made everything as easy as it could be. All the best OP.

I've been to Glenfield. I had a manual examination then ultrasound (under 40 they tend to do ultrasound rather than mammogram due to the denser breast tissue). I was given the results there and then (thankfully good news for me). I was there for about 2 hours. Good luck

I had my appointment for 11 am. Chat and physical exam in one department.. Went round to another for a mammogram where she saw 3 cysts.. . Best left alone as not causing any problems. Back to dept 1 to speak to consultant.. Back in car at 12 05.
Very satisfied with the NHS that day!

What's the troll saying?

Thank you - I am early 40s so expect it'll be a mammogram too.

Those of you who've had mammograms, are they as painful as they look??!

No, the mammograms aren’t painful. They’re uncomfortable but that’s it. And the nurses for me were so lovely.
how are you doing?

Thanks so much, that really helps, because they look painful!

I'm okay, appointment is this week, I'm feeling positive that it's nothing to worry about.

OP I'm a bit younger than you (only a tiny bit) so had ultrasounds instead of mammograms but my breast clinic visits have always been physical exam, ultrasound, and then back to the doctor or nurse to discuss.

My lumps turned out to be cysts so the above also included aspiration during the ultrasound when necessary.

Your appointment letter might indicate on it whether you are going to the mammo or non mammo department. Mine are always coded non mammo in tiny letters at the bottom but not sure if all health boards do this.

I've ended up having 3 mammograms in 3 years & I find them ok. I think it depends on your boob shape.

How did you get on?

I was there last week. I turned 40 earlier this year so I was told I now 'qualified' for a mammogram- the joys! It wasn't comfortable but it didn't hurt as such, I did feel a bit contorted when they did the side pictures though. The lady doing it was lovely and very much said to ask her to stop if it was too much but it was ok.
My visit went like this - initial meeting with doctor and examination; wait for 45 minutes; called in for mammogram; wait for 15 minutes; called on for ultrasound; wait about an hour; called back into ultrasound room ( they found a cyst which they drained there and then); wait for another 30 minutes; called back in to see original doctor who discussed all the findings. I ended up having a needle biopsy too which I'm waiting on results for and will get next week.
Good luck.