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Breast & Lymph Node Biopsy after Abnormal Mammogram

Yamyam
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Hi everyone

A member of my family has recently had her first hospital appointment following an abnormal mammogram result. The last mammogram 3 years ago was normal and no symptoms have been noticed at all.

At the appointment biopsies were taken from both the breast and lymph nodes. The follow up/results appointment is next week. I know all we can do is wait and pray, but reaching out on here helps me feel like I am pushing forwards. For anyone that might know more, is this common practice? And does it suggest that they are strongly suspecting breast cancer and are concerned enough to check if it h as spread? We have no diagnosis and in a horrible state of shock and limbo. The speed at which these appointments are coming also worries us . It all feels like everything is pointing to the inevitable, but we're trying to remain positive and not jump the gun before going back to the hospital next week.

Any wisdom or advice is greatly appreciated, especially from anybody that might have had a similar experience. I know each story is different and what happened with one person does not mean it is the same for others. I'm just so frightened and stumbled upon this forum while googling before bed.

Sending love and light to you all xXx

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    Hi Yamyam,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    It is common for biopsies to be taken at your first appointment. Ultrasounds can detect a tumour, but they cannot detect whether it is benign or cancerous. The biopsies can detect whether or not cancer is present. If they want to check whether or not the cancer has spread, they usually remove a few lymph nodes from under the arm, at the time of surgery. The appointments all come through pretty quickly, but this also is normal. 

    The spell while you are waiting for results is always an anxious time. Only 2 people, out of every 10 who attend the breast clinic, will receive a cancer diagnosis. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts or fibrous changes. I am glad to see that your family member doesn't have much longer to wait for her results. Was she advised to take someone with her to this appointment? It is usually a good idea to do so, just in case it is bad news. 

    Cancer treatments have advanced considerably in recent years. I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer and have since had 2 bouts of primary breast cancer myself. There was just no comparison in the diagnosis, treatment and aftercare which we both received. I still lead a busy and fulfilling life 14 years after diagnosis.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how your family member gets on. We are always here for both of you.

    Here's hoping that nothing untoward is found.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Good morning Jolamine,

    Thank you for your reply and for being so kind and considerate. I'm so very sorry you lost your Mum to secondary breast cancer, I don't know anybody that hasn't been touched by "The Big C" in one way or another. It's wonderful to hear that you both received brilliant care and you are now living life to the full 14 years on thanks to that care.

    I think we are all naturally doing a lot of reading between the lines. It seems that they had decided based on the mammogram changes that biopsies would be needed even before doing a scan. I don't think we expected biopsies to be taken from the lymph nodes at the first appointment though. They have suggested to go with somebody to the appointment.

    I will keep in touch. Thank you for being there and sharing your story xXx

  • Offline in reply to Yamyam

    Hi Yamyam,

    I forget to mention that google is nobody's friend at this stage - try to steer clear, if you can. It will only worry you more and serve no useful purpose. I hope that the results come through soon.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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