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I’ve found a lump - what happens at breast screening clinic

DF76
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I found a lump in my armpit Thursday last week. Because of Easter holiday I had to wait until Tuesday to speak to my GP.

ive been referred to the screening clinic, they phoned this morning and offered me an appointment Tuesday next week.  What should I expect.  Really scared. 

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    HI DF76,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    Try not to panic, as only 1 person in every 8 referred to the clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. You will see the consultant at the clinic, who will discuss your symptoms and then examine you. Depending upon what is found, you may then be sent for either a mammogram and/or an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. You do not say what age you are, but mammograms are usually only carried out in people over 40, as younger breasts tend to be too dense to show up clearly. If you have a biopsy, it can take 1-2 weeks to get the results of this back. You are usually advised that your first appointment can take up to 3 or 4 hours. This only happens if you need all of these tests and have to move to the different departments.

    It is just as well that you have been referred, as you will get the tests you need to be certain that you can exclude cancer. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes. Even if the worst should happen, breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer nowadays. I myself have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    This is always a scary time. Do your best to keep preoccupied with a hobby or pastime to help the time to pass. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I see that Jolamine has given you some good advice already saying that there are many different reasons for breast lumps. This includes cysts (fluid filled sac), fibroadenoma ( build-up of tissue) that you can read about here . Most breast lumps aren't found to be anything serious, but your GP has referred you to the breast clinic to get it checked out just to be sure.

    Waiting when you are worried is very stressful but the majority of people who are referred to the breast clinic are found not to have breast cancer. The organisation Breast Cancer Now has information on what to expect when you’ve been referred to a breast clinic and you can read this information at this link.  

    I hope everything turns out to be okay. If you would like to talk this through with one of the nurses directly, you can telephone us on 0808 800 4040.  We are here from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

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