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Inter muscular lipoma, but maybe a Liposarcoma

AngelN
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Good evening 

I am being investigated for both of the above.

lump is at the top of the thigh and has been there now for about 10 months (when I first noticed it anyway). Went to Gp in October and initially was diagnosed with bursitis in the hip, but physio couldn't explain the lump, so then referred for ultra sound and then an MRI.

GP was then advised to put me on the 2WW referral pathway as the lump had grown 1.5cm in width within 6 weeks.

i have received my appointment to see a specialist (within 3weeks, so very good) but I am confused as I have also been put in the waiting list to see a plastic surgeon, with the suggestion that average waiting time is October.

Why have they done this before the results of the biopsy? 

Many thanks in advance 

  • Hi AngelN and welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I'm sorry to hear about the lump but I'm glad you now have an appointment to see the specialist in 3 weeks time.

    Unfortunately I'm unable to tell you why you've also been put on the waiting list to see a plastic surgeon before your biopsy, but our team of cancer nurses may be able to help, so if you'd like to discuss this further with them, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very insightful and will do all that they can to help.

    We're thinking of you AngelN and will have our fingers crossed everything will be o.k.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi Steph

    Thank you for your reply. I will call the Cancer nurses tomorrow.

  • Offline in reply to AngelN

    Hi Steph

    So, I saw the consultant and was then referred for a core needle biopsy. This was done in the 8th of May and I was advised that the results would be back in 10 working days.

    To date- nothing. I was told that it has had one test (no idea what that was) and that it has been sent for an MDM2 test (30th of May) and that it would be 7-14 days. 

    I called the hospital and spoke to a Cancer nurse, who said no, it will be 6-8 weeks.

    So I am currently 45 days in (or 43 if you take off some bank holidays). Surely this is not normal? 

    My underlying feeling now is pure anger, as the complete lack of communication is so poor and that which has been given has been incorrect. 

    I don't know what else to do and feel so out of the loop- it's as though this is happening to me with control at all. 

  • in reply to AngelN

    Hello AngelN

    I'm sorry to hear that you're still waiting for your results. We know that many people are experiencing extended waiting time for results at the moment for a variety of reasons but it's perfectly understandable that you're feeling angry and upset by the miscommunication you've experienced. 

    I'd suggest getting in touch with the hospital's PALS department. It's part of their role to help resolve concerns or problems when you're using the NHS. Hopefully they will be able to get some clarity for you. 

    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. 

    I do hope that you get some answers soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    I have sent an email to PALS. I know that you can't answer this, but has the NHS just gone to pot!?

    I've looked back at old posts with people in similar situations (granted pre Covid) and they're mentioning 3-4 month waits from when they went to their GP. I saw mine originally in November 2023.

    Anyway, so for the whinging. I will let you know the outcome. x

  • Offline in reply to AngelN

    So, just thought I would do an update, which is technically a no update.

    Tried the Consultants secretary last week and left a message (even though the VM said "I'm away from the office until the 22nd of July and this was the 29th). 

    No response, so the 2 following days I left messages on the generic plastics secretaries number- still no answer. 

    Decided to go back to PALS on the Wednesday. Nothing from them either, so on the Monday (5th) I messaged the GP surgery to ask if they could chase the biopsy results and before they came back from me I had an email from PALS to say that they had been informed by the plastics team that a letter had been sent to my GP.

    I then had a message from the GP surgery to say that they had spoke to the Consultants secretary and she said "all is in hand and when they get the results, they will let me know".

    Confusing and contradictory information! 

    Then called the GP and they said they definitely did not have a letter from the hospital. I have the NHS app and nothing on there.

    Later that day I get a text from the hospital to say that there is a telephone appointment arranged for the 12th of August with the Consultant.

    Hopefully good news as been done as a telephone call, but by then it will be nearly 14 weeks since the biopsy was taken! 

    Worst 3 plus months of my life due to the waiting and poor communication.

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