Breast biopsy at private Spire hospital

[Cratos]

Hi Ladies, I had a check4cancer breast appointment at a onestop breast clinic at Spire Private Hospital on Thursday night. I had a core needle biopsy the same day.
I was a bit shocked and couldn't ask all the questions in my mind.
I saw the consultant first for a quick discussion of my symptoms and a quick examination by hand. Consultant said everything looks normal and what I am feeling is probably hormonal. I am almost 50. This was followed by a mammogram and then an ultrasound scan.

The doctor doing the ultrasound scan said i have many fluid filled cysts (I knew that already since 5 of them were aspirated in the past) But she also said that she was seeing something she was unsure about and she would like to do a biopsy. I was not given any reassurance about what it might me.
I think she said they took 4 samples and it was core needle biopsy. I can only see one cut on my breast which is maybe a 3-5mm.

When I returned to see the consultant again who did the hand examination. He seemed a bit surprised that something was found and he was vague. Slight reassurance but he looked distracted and not too interested.

He said the tissue looks different to the rest of my breast tissue on the scans. He said the results will be out in a week or two and they will make another appointment for me with the consultant to receive the results.

The nurse who was always with the consultant from the start said I could bring someone with me to the next appointment. Then she added I am not saying this because I have an idea about what the result will be but just in case type thing.
My questions are :
1- Do you know if the ultrasound doctor who did the biopsy had access mammogram results at that point ? Did she see mammogram report as well as scan? Or just the scan revealed the funny lump?
2- Is it a common practice to have another appointment even if the results are clear? I read on mumsnet that NHS usually calls to give the results if tests are clear.
3- Has anybody gone to a private clinic like me and have anything to share?
Wait is very difficult.

Thank you for your messages in advance.

I'm so sorry you are going through this and I know it's worrying.

I went to a one stop clinic not that long ago about pain.

IMO I think the ultrasound is done in any case, as it can show up things that a mammogram can miss. I was told they would do the mammo and an ultrasound.

At the same time, I think the breast consultant will show the images to the radiologist before they see you, so they have an idea of what they need to check. (Can't be sure but I am assuming.)

I think in the private sector they would give you a follow up appt, to reassure you if all is okay . Depending on why you made the appt (did you think you felt a lump or had pain etc?) they might want to talk that over.

Sometimes these clinics have more than one consultant doing the checks, so - only a thought- if you felt the one you saw was dismissive, you can book any follow-up with someone else who is more sympathetic and communicates better.

I hope you get the results soon and everything is fine for you.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your response. I originally had a pain that comes and goes but just before the clinic I felt a small lump. Saying that the lump I felt was just on the surface of the skin but the biopsy was done deeper somewhere else. Although maybe there is a connection. Who knows. It is hard to know what the usual process is. LlToday I received a letter of the result so far and it described the findings on the day as SLIGHT abnormality on right breast. It also stated the doctors private secretary will contact me to discuss the biopsy results AND/OR any additional appointments required.
The consultant only works at this hospital one day a week so I hope I will not have to wait each time for him to be on duty to get the results.

@Cratos I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I think it would be slightly odd if a PA/ secretary was to call you with medical results. That's not usually done. I'd expect them to offer you an appointment to discuss the results whether they have found nothing or something. You did say in your first post that you'd be given another appt to discuss the results.

I think you are entitled to call his secretary and ask for clarification.
The letter you have now is not a result, it's just a summary of your appointment.

It's a real shame that the dr you saw was not more friendly and reassuring, and didn't explain the whole process more fully.

Maybe in the meantime you can think about what to do next if it's something that needs treatment. You can take your results back to your GP asap and ask for referral to the NHS for any treatment.

Or, you can stay with the private dr and be treated that way. Do you have insurance or did you pay for the clinic?

You are likely to have to wait to see the dr again, if he is there once a week. But if it's anything needing treatment, they will try to fit you into an appt quickly.

Hope you are okay meanwhile

You are very kind. 🌷Thank you for your message. I have another appointment set up now so fingers crossed I am assuming the results will be ready and they will be clear. I am not sure if a mutlidisciplinary team like NHS to look at the results in private hospitals. I asked this to Check4cancer. Waiting for their answer. I have private insurance and I think it might cover cancer. I have to think about using private vs NHS if it comes to that. Thank you