Lump in breast - what happens next?

[BlueAntelope]

I've just been to see the GP for a lump in my breast. The GP has said they'll put in a referral and I should get an appointment within two weeks.

She thought it was most likely a cyst but wanted to refer on just in case. I think that's likely to be the case, I have no family history of breast cancer and my sister has had a cyst in her breast.

I'm trying to stay calm and am not overly worried but I forgot to ask in my GP appointment what is likely to happen at the next appointment.

Has anyone had one? Is it a manual examination or a scan, or something else?

I don't want to google it as I think I would end up convincing myself I have cancer when I don't. I don't want to ask family or friends as I don't want to worry them with this as it may turn out to be nothing.

@BlueAntelope hi. I had something similar a while ago. The hospital team were amazing. Had a mammogram, ultrasound and needle biopsy all in the same day. It was just a cyst. Please talk to your GP and they should reassure you x

I had a two-week referral for lumpy breasts a few years ago. It was at a hospital breast clinic where they were able to do a range of tests (if needed) on the same day. In my case I had a mammogram first and then saw a doctor for a manual examination. I remember other women were taken for other types of tests depending on their individual cases. I think in my case the mammogram had given a clear picture of what was going on, so no further diagnostic tests were needed. I seem to remember having to wait for the full 2 weeks for the appointment and I was at the hospital for a couple of hours.

Thank you both. So likely a mammogram and then possibly other tests if needed. That's really helpful.

Not sure my experience helps but I was sent to the BC clinic on two week pathway.
I had mammogram, ultrasound and biopsie all within two hours.
then was told likely BC.
it all moved really quickly after that.
I only say this to let you know that you’ll likely find out quite quickly what is likely going on.
which is a huge blessing.
im sure you’ve been told many times that it’s likely to be nothing, but if not you’re not kept hanging on wondering.
🤞 for you

I had this a few years ago. I went to a breast clinic where tests can be done all in the same appointment. I think it was advised that it could take several hours, depending on what tests they do. I saw a dr first who examined me, then sent me for an ultrasound scan in the same part of the hospital, then went back to see the Dr for the results which were clear. I think I remember it being an age things as to if you were over a certain age you had a mammogram and if under that age it was an ultrasound. I think I was about 30 at the time. Probably also depends on what the Dr thinks of the lump to a degree as well. If I’d needed a biopsy then that would have been done the same day too but I didn’t need one.

hope that helps! I seem to remember that statistically, most breast lumps are not cancer so please try not to worry! Always better to check of course!

I went through this over the summer and happy to share my experience. The hospital appointment I attended was during a 'breast clinic' when they see several women and are able to do a variety of tests all in one day.

First, I had a physical examination of both breasts by a breast doctor who confirmed there was a lump in one.

Then I returned to the waiting room until I was called to another door to have an ultrasound, which confirmed the lump was a benign fluid-filled cyst and no treatment was needed. The ultrasound technician reassured me that cysts cannot 'turn into' cancer or become 'malignant' or anything like that and explained that the cyst may remain or may shrink. If it had been causing pain or been very large, I would have had the option to request it be drained – she explained this is purely preference, though, and not a medical necessity.

She then offered me to return to the doctor if I had any questions, but I didn't feel the need, so I was discharged.

If the ultrasound hadn't been able to confirm a cyst, I would have been referred to have a biopsy.

I wasn't offered a mammogram as I was too young (36) and have no family history of cancer, but that would have been another option for someone older or with higher risk factors.

I went to the GP having found a lump last May. My sister died of breast cancer so I check myself regularly. I have refused mammograms as I have dense breast tissue and it’s like trying to see a snowball in a snow drift apparently- so essentially a waste of time for the trauma it causes. (In some countries mammograms are banned). Also my sisters large, cancerous lump wasn’t visible on her mammogram, only on US. I was referred on a two week pathway. Went to the breast clinic and was called in for an ultrasound which confirmed a lump. 🤔 They then did a biopsy. Three or four of the puncture type ones with a local anaesthetic. That was all fine. No pain at the time. A bit achey and bruised for a while after. The worst thing was waiting for the results. Baring in mind they know my family history - which is also other maternal side cases. I waited 5 weeks for the letter which said it was benign. People told me to ring up whilst I was waiting and I didn’t because i didn’t want to be pushy I suppose. Wish I had now because the date on the letter was two days after the biopsy when it arrived in the post five weeks later 😠 …. but just glad it was benign. Haven’t been offered an alternative to mammograms for check ups though and does feel strange checking myself now when there is an actual lump. So if you have a prolonged wait for results I would give them a quick call to save fretting unnecessarily 🙏🏼 all the very best wishes. X