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Breast lump not on mammogram or u/s

Shazdude
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hi everyone

i found a lump in my right breast , top left outer quadrant and was confirmed by gp as the size of a malteaser.

Was referred to the breast clinic which I attended on Tuesday. Had a mammogram then a ultra sound. The mammogram showed no lump and neither did the ultra sound but the lady confirmed that she felt it. Was sent to a consultant and he felt it and said it felt like a thickening of the skin so decided to biopsy it with a punch biopsy.

only problem was the lump couldn’t be felt as much when laying down and I think he missed it with the biopsy as the hole seems nowhere near the lump. I’m worried if he’s missed the lump with the biopsy then what if it’s cancer and it comes back all clear because he has missed it. And why did the lump not show up even though it’s clearly shown up. I’m 48 years old and had a hysterectomy 9 years ago so no periods and gone through menopause

thank you 

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    Hi Sazdude,

    I had a similar experience before I was first diagnosed. I had a routine mammogram which didn't show any lump, neither did an ultrasound, but both my surgeon and I could feel it. I later learned that there are certain types of breast cancer which don't always show up on mammogram or ultrasound. I decided to go private for a Thermography scan, which highlighted the cancer.  I was eventually diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called Mucinous Carcinoma. This only affects about 1% of people and doesn't always show up on these scans. Ironically it did eventually show up on both mammogram and ultrasound.

    It would be unusual for a lump to be missed during biopsy, as these are usually led by ultrasound. It wouldn't matter where the hole is. The important factor would be the angle that it went in at, as the lump could be reached quite a distance away from the hole.

    Try not to worry until you see what your results show. When are you due to get these results? It is always an anxious time until you know for sure. If your consultant is still puzzled, there are other scans that can be carried out.
    I hope that you get your results soon. Do please let us know how you get on.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi jolamine 

    thank you for replying.

    im just waiting for a letter to return for my results.

    i suppose it's normally 7-10 days. The lump was quite prominent while I stood up or sat down but not so much laying down but obviously I couldn't have the biopsy standing up. He took 3 biopsy's from the breast. I tell myself it's gonna be ok and it's nothing then it just overwhelms you and you can't stop thinking there's something wrong. How are you now. Have you gone into remission? How did you find the cancer in the end if it didn't show on the mammogram and us.

    hope you are better now

    Sharon xxx

  • Offline in reply to Shazdude

     

    Hi Shezdude,

     

    I hope that your letter comes through soon. If you can, try to take someone with you, if you are being brought back to the hospital for your results.

     

    It's only natural to feel as you do. We all seem to think the worst at some time, but fortunately, this seldom turns out to be the case.

     

    I discovered both lumps when I was doing my routine breast checks. I decided to go private for a Thermography scan, which highlighted the cancer.  Yes, I am in remission now thanks, but I do still attend the breast clinic annually for a check up.

     

    Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

     

    Kind regards,


    Jolamine xx

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