Partner has mass in abdominal wall

[Magenta82]

Hiya, my partner has a mass in his abdominal wall, 3 weeks ago it was smaller than a pea, last week it was pea sized today it is bigger than a pea.

Last week he had an ultrasound that showed it is definitely not a hernia, but a growth/legion of some kind. Today the consultant booked him in for a CT scan tomorrow and a removal and biopsy procedure next week.

Today the consultant said "it could be benign" I don't think my partner picked it on the potential implications of that phrase and I didn't try to clarify because he already has ptsd and anxiety for other reasons and has been stressed about his health as well.

I'm obviously staying strong for him, telling him I'm sure it will be fine and benign. But I am absolutely panicked and worried for him, for our 8 month old DD for his other kids, for me. I keep running through potential outcomes in my head, I'm usually an optimist but today it's very hard.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Or any advice? Thanks

I guess I'd just like a bit of a hand hold really, but if anyone knows anyone who has been through similar I'd appreciate hearing about it.

Bumping for you…..

I'm sorry you and your partner are going through this Magenta. I've no experience of an abdominal lesion but had to get checked out via a scan for something else recently so know how worrying it is. Take it one step at a time 🌷

Likely you are both hiding your worry for each other. I have had a few scares in my time and each time it was nothing. Then I wonder at all that pointless worry. Stay strong, be there for each other, think positive. Your mind will naturally be screaming "what if" at you. Don't give in to that. Let the rational part of your brain have the floor. You don't know what this is, you may get some reassurance tomorrow, if not you will soon. You are getting answers. You will deal with those answers together. You have a beautiful daughter. You can do this. This uncertainty, not knowing, is the worst. You will come out the other side a little wiser and stronger. I am rooting for you. Wishing for you that this is all nothing. Have hope, have faith. Whatever happens, you can do this.

Thanks, I'm hoping the CT scan shows that this is the only one, because then at least if the biopsy shows it is malignant we will know it was the only one.

@SummerHouse - brilliant advice!

OP I am on a similar situation. Glad your DH got appointment so quickly. I found a lump in my neck. Got GP appointment on phone. Then in person appointment 1 week later. Referred to specialist. He put me in for ultrasound and fine needle test. The lump is growing and now aching too. I am worried sick as have a 15 year old with learning disability who needs me healthy. I have to wait until 13th for scan and needle test. The waiting is dreadful. I hope your dp's lump is benign.

I hope it turns out OK for you @caringcarer, he has had pains there for a long time, he was previously told they were caused by his anxiety. The lump is a big worry but at least it isn't "all in his head" and they are finally taking him seriously.

I recently had an MRI scan of my lower spine to determine the cause of sciatica. The MRI showed a circular anomaly about 1.7cm in size on one of the vertebrae. The radiologist recommended a nuclear medicine bone scan to rule out it being a tumor or infection.

My orthopedist said it was most likely just an artifact in the scan, but since it was unexplained, it had to be investigated. I had the scan last Friday and got a call from the doctor last night with the results. The nuclear scan showed nothing abnormal, so no tumor or infection.

I'm sure that your partner's abdominal mass is real, but don't "borrow trouble" as they say. You'll know soon enough what's going on with it.

That is really good news! I'm so pleased you got the all clear