What to expect at breast clinic?

[SilentMammoth]

I started a thread a week or so ago about changes in my breast; no lump, but a sort of puckering at the side. This has become more pronounced recently. I saw GP this morning who saw it straightaway and has referred me to clinic and says I should be seen within 2 weeks. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Thank you

I needed to attend one just before christmas because of a lump that turned out to be infection.
When i went i first had a mammogram ( i am in my forties) , then had a ultrasound scan and a core biopsy followed by an examination and chat with the consultant. I went back exactly a week later for the results.
Neither the mammogram or core biopsy were painful, just slight discomfort and all the staff were very friendly putting me at ease.
Thew worst part was the week wait for the results.

Hope all goes well for you.

Hi Silent, sorry you've been referred, but remember 9 out of 10 turn out to be nothing. At the clinic they'll take a verbal history, physical exam, then mammogram (dependent on age, they don't tend to do them on women pre-40-ish), then ultrasound. If they find anything, they'll do a fine needle biopsy, which is where they take some sample cells to test. Some hospitals speed through, so you get results same day. Others take a few, but you'll know that day pretty much, as they tend to be quite straightforward in terms of telling you if there is anything which looks suspect.

If it helps, nip over to Tamoxifen thread - we've mostly all had breast cancer, but also do a lot of hand holding with women going through breast clinics. Lots turn out to be clear which we love, but we're a good place to hang out as we all get how scary it is waiting.

I second smee's response - you'd be very welcome !

At my hospital you get the results that day.

They do everything they need to (including mammogram, ultrasound, core biopsy, examination) until they know what it is.

Then they tell you.

I've only had one examination, a physical and ultrasound, which turned out to be clear. I got the results the same day. The one thing I didn't expect was, when I was told I was clear, was that I burst into tears, not in relief, but in some complicated feeling of concern and sort of solidarity with all the other women in the clinic. I thought I was weird until I mentioned it to my friend who said she had exactly the same response. Maybe this is not what you are asking but I guess I'm saying there may be some unexpected emotional reaction.

Thanks everyone; I know 9 out of 10 lumps are benign, but that's the thing, l haven't been referred because of a lump. everyone kind of assumes it's that but l can't find much data on people referred because of dimpling. or what the outcome is. GP said there was "tethering", said it could be a benign cyst but on exam could not find anything. just can't find much info at all. thanks for replies, if anyone has any info re dimpling would be very grateful. Thanks for the tamoxifen recommendation.

I didn't go for a lump. I didn't have dimpling either though - it was a kind of coarsening - sorry can't be more precise - I think they take any difference about which you are concerned seriously - that was why ultrasound. I don't have any data on dimpling, sorry, but I'm glad you're going.

Hi Mammouth - it's 9 out of 10 referrals to Breast Clinics which turn out to be nothing, so still good odds that dimpling is nothing.

Hi - i've been going back and forth to breast clinic recently and it really isnt anything to worry about. My first appointment came REALLY quickly and I worried that there was some sinister reason for this, I think they are just really efficient!

Ive had 3 biopsies done on a lump, they describe it as "like a bee sting" even the 3rd time when she "used a bigger needle to get a good sample" really it didnt bother me at all. A sunny walk in the park compared to child birth!!

The mammogram is more uncomfortable than anything - they did say I could take a pain killer afterwards but it really wasnt necessary.

1. if you are driving give yourself TONS of time to park, much better to get a coffee before than be panicking when your appointment is due.

1. take snacks and something to read in case they decide to send you for U.S or mammograms at the same time

1. wear a top easy to get in and out of!

Statistically it will be nothing to worry about.

thanks everyone for that

Hiya silent, good luck for your appointment.

I recently went and had mammograms - several on the same day - ultrasound and then fine needle aspiration to drain benign cysts.

The worst part was a magnified mammogram, cos I was really squished, but it wasn't as bad as i thought it might be.

Good luck, hope your appointment is soon, cos the waiting is the worst. I foud the lovely ladies in the Tamoxifen threads were fan-bloody-tastic!!!!!

When I went to the breast clinic after finding a lump, this is exactly what happened, I hope this helps:
On arriving at the clinic I was advised that my husband could not accompany me into the Clinic itself. This was to ensure the comfort of other women in the clinic due to the various states of undress, so, if you want company take a female (assuming your clinic has the same policy).
I went into a changing cubicle to remove all clothes from the waist up and put on a gown, had to put my stuff in a shopping basket
Had mammogram, uncomfortable but bearable, nurses very, very professional and caring.
Had physical exam by doctor, again, professional and caring.
Had ultrasound, completely painless but the gel is cold!!
At all stages both breasts were examined, not just the one with the "problem"
I was then given my results which were fine, nothing to worry about at all, thank god.
I hope this helps, I wish I had known exactly what to expect before I had attended, good luck!!!

any updates OP

PA