Lump in breast referred to breast clinic

[GMtoBe]

My GP has referred me to the breast clinic at Birmingham women's hospital after I found a lump a couple of weeks ago. She initially gave me antibiotics to try and clear the lump in case it was an infection because I'm still breastfeeding my 9 month old but they haven't made a difference although I didn't have any infection symptoms to begin with.

I was just wondering if anyone knows what I should expect from the clinic visit? What will they do, how long will it take, when do I find out results? On the letter it says that I'm being referred because my GP suspects cancer but the GP told me that's not the case and she actually suspects a cyst because of my age (I'm 28).

Hi I had a referral last year at 21. The consultant came in and examined me marked where the lump was in pen. I then went round to get an ultrasound dressed in a rather fetching cape. They were able to determine from the scan that it was a gland I could feel. Whole appointment took about 1.5 yo 2 hours with waiting around inbetween. I was discharged from clinic there and then.

Thank you that's really helpful, I didn't realise the appointment would be that long!

When I went there was a notice saying it could be 4-5 hours altogether so bear that in mind if you need someone to mind baby.

Lots of waiting.
Saw first guy who had a feel and marked the lump with a pen.
More waiting.
2nd guy then did ultrasound scan.
More waiting.
Back to first guy who talked about what they had found from scan.

Got letter from gp about a week later.

Good luck

Hi OP,

You'll be examined by a consultant initially and then will most likely be sent for a mammogram and then an ultrasound. Depending on what's seen you might have a biopsy taken.

You should be told something on the day to what they think it is.

There's lots of waiting around so take a friend or partner if you think it would help or a book and some water/snack.

Good luck OP. Hope all is well.

And f they're very backed up, and they're really pretty sure yours is not a cancer lump, they may ask you to return for further tests, or ultrasound. This is a pain, but if it happens to you, remember, this is good news- they're not worried.

Also, some parts of breast can be difficult to 'see' adequately on ultrasound or mammograms: so if tests are repeated, this is to do with getting an adequate image, not that they're seeing something sinister.

Just remember, stressful though it is, the NHS do this stuff well, and nearly all of us leave breast clinic hugely relieved.

If baby is going with you, you need someone reliable and patient to whisk them off and find ways of entertaining them elsewhere in the hospital, possibly for hours.

Ooh, nearly forgot, BREASTFEEDING - obviously you'll tell them - and they will probably not use mammograms.

Thank you so much for your responses. I'm sure it's nothing but am obviously a bit nervous about it. I'll be leaving dd with dh at home and going on my own so will take a book and some snacks.