Ultrasound then MRI?

Hi :)

I have recently had an ultrasound for a lump near my knee. Following my ultrasound I got a call within a couple of hours form my GP advising I had been referred for an urgent 2 week appointment. From the NHS app I can see it is a referral for suspected sarcoma due to the level of blood vessels in the lump. I called the GP today as still not heard about my 2 week urgent appointment and apparently I'm on a waiting list for an MRI. I have a couple of questions:

1 - Would I expect to have the MRI within the 2 weeks?

2 - Is an MRI able to show more than an ultrasound to indicate malignancy?

Would be grateful for some advice.

Thanks!

  • Hello DisneyQueen464

    I'm sorry to hear about your recent discovery of a lump and that following the initial ultrasound you're waiting for further tests. It's understandable that you may be feeling anxious about things. 

    We know that many people are experiencing delays in receiving appointments under a suspected cancer 2-week referral at the moment and this is due to a number of factors. It may be worth giving the hospital a call to ask how long they think you may have to wait for an appointment and if you're able to attend at short notice you could mention this to them as well in case a cancellation appointment crops up. 

    MRIs are often used as part of the diagnostic process for both cancerous and non-cancerous conditions so please don't feel that because you've been referred for an MRI you automatically have cancer. The MRI will give the clinical team more information about this lump to help them make a proper diagnosis. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for some advice and support. 

    I hope that you have some positive news soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator