Delay to breast core biopsy results....

I had a core breast biopsy at the end of march and was booked an appointment 10 days later to collect my results 

The day before results day I had a call saying the results weren't back yet and they added an extra week waiting time , so now due to get them this Friday.

 

Anyone else in a similar situation? I don't know if the delays are due to Covid related staff shortages (which would make sense ATM) or because they found something than needs further tests?

 

I just wish they had told me why they were delayed! Naturally I would be a lot less concerned if I knew it was due to staff shortages....

If anyone has had a similar experience at this current time?

 

K x

  • Hi everyone thankyou all for your replies!

     

    Naming the lump is new to me, but I kind of like it I'll have a think about what I might call mine!!

     

    Overall it sounds like there are lots of delays everywhere, so I'm hopeful that this just means my results are late and doesn't necessarily mean anything more than that!

    Due tomorrow so fingers crossed I don't get a cancellation call later!

    My biopsy (done over 2 weeks ago) has got worse and yesterday was  painful, more lumpy and red. I spoke to breast nurse on the phone and she didn't seem at all worried  ... I'm kind of worried though it really hurts even just when walking or driving as it bounces it. Surely this isn't normal after 2 weeks? Or has anyone experienced anything similar? It's the same today. The redness on the skin hasn't spread which they said would be a sign of infection. But it should be getting less painful as time goes on surely?!? 

  • Hi Kate,

    Although I had hardly any bruising or external marks I am getting twinges with certain movements and bumps in the car etc and my biopsy was 5th April.

    I have a marker coil in there, they said I shouldn't feel it as its so small but I have a chronic pain condition so very sensitive, plus the original reason I had the referral was breast pain with lump and that's still going on.

    Fingers crossed for good news tomorrow xx

  • Thanks for replying plumlet.

    My lump was also painful (as in before having tests etc) which is perhaps why it's still painful now (but much much worse now!)

    Everyone kept telling me it won't be cancer if it's uncomfortable/painful because cancerous lumps are usually painless. But I don't know.

    I'm very relieved results are tomorrow. Although I guess the waiting to get it removed will continue? Cancer or not mine needs to come out as it's enormous and uncomfortable all the time!

    Hope you get your results soon too!

    X

  •  

    Hi Kandykate,

    I hope that all goes well for you tomorrow.

    Don't forget to let us know how you get on. Please remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Good luck for tomorrow Kate,

    Hopefully you will get some answers and a way forward. And hopefully they will look at that sore biopsy site too. Please let us know how it goes xx

     

  • Hi Kate, 

    I was also under the impression that it is extremely uncommon for painful lumps to be cancerous however I think in both our cases it has proven prudent to have got checked out and in your case checked out some more!

    Regardless of the results I shall be thanking my GP personally for being over-cautious as I may well have just gone home and carried on as normal and just slept on the other side more!

    Your results , if any further action is required , will have been reviewed at a multidisciplinary team meeting prior to your appointment tomorrow so they should discuss options with you and also the timescale.

    Will be thinking of you and I hope *insert name of lump* turns out to be harmless afterall.xx

     

  • Thankyou for all your kind messages, I will let you know how we (me and still unnamed lump!) Get on!

    Also thanks plumlet for giving me an idea as to what to expect from the appointment today re timescales. It's helpful to know that there should already be a plan in place for me.

    X

  • So some updates on my post- firstly good news my lump is granulomatous mastitis, not cancer. Very relieved although had never heard of this one before. We were fully expecting a cancer diagnosis so I still can't believe it wasn't.

    Secondly (as this is related to original post title and may be of interest to others awaiting their results): turns out the reason for my results being delayed was human error- basically they didn't get sent to the lab. The hospital are investigating it, but my guess is someone just forgot? Human error happens! I thought it was nice of them to explain that though, they could have just blamed Covid!

    Sending warm wishes to everyone in this group I felt so welcomed and reassured reading through everyone's posts xx

     

     

     

  • Hi Kate , fantastic news that it's not cancer :happy:

    I just had a quick look up of GM as I'd never heard of that type of Mastitis and it's very rare apparently but can mimic cancer so that proves how important biopsy is to get an acurate diagnosis and ultimately peace of mind!

    I bet all the worry just melted away! So pleased for you.

    Whats next for the lump without the name? Did they mention if it actually needed to be removed or will antibiotics deal with the pain and swelling? xx

    p.s. I agree it was decent of the hospital to be honest about what delayed your results, I see covid being used as a scapegoat for so many things these days!

     

     

  • Hi plumnet

    Yes it's rare and there's no definite treatment. It seems to be a combination of watch and wait, antibiotics (although my doctor said antibiotics don't work, but Google says otherwise!) Steroids in worse cases and mastectomy in severe cases. It can go away on its own with no treatment within 2 years. But may come back.

    There's really not much tbh I've been googling all afternoon!

    But knowing Is far better than having no idea and it's just 1 thing to focus on now instead of loads os potential possiblities!

    X