Plastic surgeon referral after MRI

Hi, I recently underwent an ultrasound for a sometimes painful lump in my abdomen, then I was sent for an MRI just over a week ago. I have received a letter telling me I have an appointment 10 days away with a plastic surgeon in the sarcoma unit. 
 

can anyone shed any light on why I will be seeing a plastic surgeon? I am starting to worry a bit as I am youngish (28) and recently started a family. Thanks for any help..

 

B

  • Hi, I can't help with your question but I would call the department that sent the letter or the sarcoma unit and ask them. Don't stay in the dark and worry, lovely. Thinking of you xx

  • Hi Blic,

    From what I was told at the breast clinic following an ultrasound and biopsy that results are always given by a plastic surgeon irrespective of the result. However, your tests were different to mine, so may not correlate.

    X

     

  • Hi Fleur, 

     

    thanks so much for your response. This has helped me massively. I guess il just have to wait for the appointment. Iv also asked my GP if she will call me back when she is back at my doctors surgery, but she only works one day a week. The waiting is horrible but I'm trying to put it to the back of my mind and enjoy the long weekend with my family. Thanks again,

     

    b x

  • Thanks you for your reply, means a lot. I called the sarcoma unit yesterday and could only speak to a receptionist who wasn't medically trained. 
     

    just a waiting game now I suppose. Thanks again. 
     

    B x

  • Hi Blic I was referred to a plastic surgeon last year and it was so he could do a biopsy.  It wasn't for the same issue I currently have.  I must say he did a lovely job as the scar on my calf is now barely visible.  I'm expecting to have another biopsy soon for a suspected sarcoma on my upper arm.  X

  • Hi Post, 

    thank you for your reply, means a lot you've taken the time to contact me. It does make sense your reply, because Iv been racking my mind about why I would be seeing a plastic surgeon.. but yeh if a biopsy is involved then it makes sense. 
     

    I hope your biopsy comes back clear, I really do. I have decided to stay off the internet now as it started to scare me a little bit. Wasn't much on sarcoma's anyway as I think they are rare, so I'm sure your upper arm comes back clear! Thanks again, means a lot. 
     

    B x

  • Hi PostMeno, 

    sorry me again, I was just wondering. Would they wait over 2 weeks (will be one day off 3 weeks by the time I  have my meeting with the surgeon) to tell me I have to have a biopsy. I have been told by a few people (not medically trained or have never had cancer or a scare) that they have to do it in 2 weeks? Is this just a common myth? 
     

    Thanks,

     

    B x

  • Hi B. I think it depends on where you live and how busy the medical team are. I waited over 4 weeks for MRI results and was told I'm being referred to sarcoma team almost two weeks ago. I'm hoping to get a letter to meet with someone soon but it most likely will be weeks before my biopsy. I also had an ultrasound that I waited two weeks for an appointment. I've not been told I definitely have sarcoma and most likely my lump is benign - the majority of cases are. Even when I have a biopsy I'm expecting it will be weeks before I am given results. I found my lump at the end of Jan and GP appointment was on 1st February. I believe it can take months to be fully diagnosed. I've done lots of research and all lumps over 5cm (mine is) that are deep (mine is) must be treated as if they are sarcoma until proved otherwise. Fingers crossed we are both one of the 90% ish who's lumps turn out to be fatty leisions. X

  • Hi Post, 

     

    thank you so much, I never knew that lumps will be treated as sarcomas until otherwise. This has actually really put my mind at ease. Mine is most probably in the 90% then hopefully. I'm hoping that they just seen the MRI results and put me in touch with the plastic surgeon so they can just take it out. 
     

    im pretty sure my GP is calling me tomorrow and il ask her a few questions. The area where the lump is has been achey again today. First time in a few days it has been like it. Have you found any research if sarcomas give an ache like pain?

     

    thanks again, B x

  • Hi B. I'm so glad you feel better as I totally understand how you feel. Some GP's only see 1 sarcoma during their career. That's how rare they are. I'm in pain every day and it's a constant ache with regular jolts of pain. I feel as if my upper arm is being punched. This is not due to my lump being painful, but due to it pressing against nerves. I only get a couple of hours sleep and had to start taking codeine three weeks ago. This is fairly normal as they press against other structures and nerves etc. When I lay on my right hand side in bed (my natural position) I wake up in pain. I just want mine out but I understand the process now. X