I have been referred by my GP to get a breast scan as identified a lump. My question is can they tell you at the scan any news? if the lump is I don't know the words ! If it's Cancer or do you have to wait? Till they check results? Thankyou C
I am sorry to hear you have a breast lump and that you are going to the breast unit for tests.
Lumps are common and in most cases can be linked to a benign ( non cancerous) breast condition such as a fluid filled cysts or a clump of fatty tissue known as a fibroadenoma. However it is best for any new lump to be checked out, just to be on the safe side.
At your appointment they are likely to assess the lump and then as you say carry out a mammogram and possibly an ultrasound too. If anything unusual is shown up they will tell you as they are likely to want to take a biopsy (tissue sample) of this to be sent off to the lab to be closely looked at. The is usually what can diagnose what the lump may be caused by.
There are instances when the doctor is able to get a good impression about the abnormality from the images they can see on the day. This may be that they can give reassurance this is nothing to be concerned about. However if a biopsy is needed they may wait until the results are back until they can confirm any suspicions.
I hope the appointment goes well and everything will be okay for you.
Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
