Breast lump and screening

Hi all. Just seeing if its normal procedure to wait for a scan?

My gp found a lump in my left breast after having swollen neck lymph nodes and I got the 2 week referral appointment which I have just come out of. I have a family history with my mother and her sister (my aunt) having both had breast cancer, my mum only last June.

The breast surgeon who saw me today said he can definitely feel the lump and its about 4cm by 2cm but he doesn't think it's anything to worry about but he wants me to have a scan and I'll get an appointment through the post. I was expecting to have the scans if needed today as the info I received on today's appointment said allow 2 hours incase scans etc. However, it was at 5:15pm.

I feel even more nervous having to wait than if they'd just have told me something there and then but then again is it a good thing that I'm waiting for a scan? Can they tell just by feeling that a lump isn't cancerous?

I just don't know what to think if I'm honest and my usual anxiety has sky rocketed and I don't know where else to ask.

Many thanks.

  • Hi mum_to_3

    Yes breast consultants can tell the difference

    Not all lumps are cancer. Your surgeon is doing the right thing, he told you he doesn't think it's anything to worry about and he referred you for scanning to get a scientific diagnosis. These consultants not only perform thousands of physical exams but during surgery have cancerous lumps in their hands. They no what a cancerous lump feels like. 

    Try and take comfort in the fact that your surgeon is not worried. 

  • I found a lump in my breast 5 weeks ago and was also given an emergency 2 week appointment which I’m having tomorrow. I was hoping to get scans mammograms etc done tomorrow as I’ve also been told to allow 3 hours for  appointment. In hope you get answers soon x