Breast clinic referral

[Kayleeangel123]

Hi so i have been referred to the breast clinic next week for a lump i have found. I had another little feel today and i just feel unsure about a lot of things in my breast. I just dont know whats normal. I have heard they only scan the area of the lump your worried about. But im worried about several different things in my breast. I do suffer health anxiety and i am mid-end of a period at the moment. Will they scan just the lump or the area i am concerned about as well.

Hi, OP -

I was referred after a screening mammogram found a suspicious spot recently.

My experience is that the whole breast was subject to a more intense mammogram called a diagnostic mammogram as the first step of my visit. Then an ultrasound and a careful manual exam. After those steps, the consultant went over the results with me and I was dismissed.

Many women have a biopsy. It doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, so don’t worry if you do. You may have to wait for the biopsy results. I didn’t have a lump as such which is probably why this step was skipped.

I think the NHS is pretty good with breast cancer diagnosis. There is much that worries me these days, but the Breast Clinic I attended was confidence inspiring.

Best wishes

When I went a doctor examined me before I had the tests (mine just turned out to be a cyst). I'm sure at that point you could mention the other area you're worried about.

Thankyou both for your replies, the area is literally next to the lump so I'm just hoping they scan that whole area but i will mention it. I just wish they could scan both boobs for piece of mind because i always worry.

Yes - I just remembered the diagnostic mammogram was both breasts. I hope yours will be too

If you're aged over 40 you are likely to have a mammogram on both breasts as well as a clinical examination and possibly an ultrasound of any areas the surgeon is concerned about.
We don't do routine ultrasound of both breasts.

Im 31, i never had a mamogram before only ultrasounds.

My appointment - examined by consultant - large lump def felt by her, sent for mammogram (both sides) - seen again by consultant, told I had 3 cysts (2small so nothing to do) sent straight off to have ultrasound guided drainage by consultant radiologist (uncomfortable & bit bruised for couple days) . Sent home with instructions to ring them back if recurred or other lumps got bigger & definitely not to ignore/assume any other lumps would be cysts Less than an hour in total, waited 6 weeks to be seen (during lockdowns)

Was told by consultant if lump was suspicious they would biopsy under ultrasound & get initial results same day. This was a fast track clinic

Unlikely to do a mammogram at 31 unless indicated by the clinical exam, and ultrasound isn't really suited to imaging the entire breast. From what I recall, my physical exam was of both breasts and underarms though.

Certainly let your clinician know about the other concerns you have other than the lump you were referred for. I hope it all turns out to be nothing for you :)

Yes let them know at the clinic i have breat cancer and the staff are so paitent and kind, once they look at the ultra sound they will know a lot more - loads of people these lumps are just cysts

Not true, I have been having mammograms since I was 15, ultrasounds too.

At a specialist breast clinic, OP will have both a mammogram and ultrasound, along with a physical examination. However, given her age and that she might potentially dense breasts, an ultrasound is the most effective imaging in this instance. As she has been referred with a lump, they will be careful to check everything, more so if she tells them her concerns on the day.

Good luck OP. The odds are in your favour - nine out of ten lumps and other breast worries are absolutely nothing at all.

Former BC patient here. Please relay all your concerns at your appointment. They will check both boobs and both armpits. If they feel your tissue is too dense for a mammo, they will say. They may biopsy the lump which is not pleasant but painless. What I can say is that the radiographer will know from ultrasound if you need anything further. I know it's easy for me to say "try not to dwell" but my way of dealing with it was that I wasn't going to worry until I had something to worry about. No googling either. Consultant was very clear that that was pointless because information is outdated, often incorrect and absolutely does not apply to you. I hope this is nothing to worry about and glad you're getting it checked

Hi OP, I've been referred three times now and also suffer with health anxiety.

They will ask your history and what you think you have found and where, then will ask you to lie down and put your arms above your head and examine both breasts and into the armpits. If they feel a lump, you will then be sent for an ultrasound.

My report came back with 'dense breasts'

Hope all goes ok

When I found my lump I was told I would get an appointment within a month. I had forgotten that I had health insurance through work and was seen a few days later. I was given a physical examination, an ultrasound and a mammogram. The physical examination involved both breasts for comparison I think. They also checked the lymph nodes in my armpits and around my collarbone. I was given a needle biopsy, not painful and then a few days later a lumpectomy with a wide excision. The lump was a rare but benign tumour and the surgeon did the most fantastic job so I had very minimal scarring. Ask all the questions you need to during the consultation. Hope that all goes well for you.

The first stage at the breast clinic will be a breast examination by a breast care nurse. She'll examine both breasts thoroughly, not just the lump you have been referred too. This would be a good opportunity for you to voice your concerns. Further investigations will then take place.