Biopsy for suspected sarcoma

Hi. 

Just looking for someone to talk to really. I've posted about this before a few months ago and unfortunately I'm still on the ride no one wants to ride.

I found a lump in my arm a few months ago. Was fast tracked for a ultrasound which showed a mass in my muscle. They thought it was a lipoma but because it was so deep suggested I be referred for further testing. I went on to have an MRI which showed a 2cm lesion. They think it's made of fat. It's well defined, small and has little blood flow. The person doing my ultrasound said it had no vascular flow but then the doctor said it had little so I'm not sure which is correct. After the mri they recommended that I wait 3 months and have a repeat MRI. I was happy to do this as at the appointment with the doctor they were very confident that it was just a fat lump.

Fast forward 3 months, I have my repeat MRI. It was a strange one. It was a lot longer than last time and I had to change position. I was booked in for a telephone call to receive the results at the last doctor's appointment. I got the call for the results and unfortunately they didn't sound as upbeat as last time. He said that it had grown and changed shape. It's now 2.9cm. He said the lump still looked the same it's just bigger. They still think it looks like fat but can't say for sure what it is. I asked if there is still a possibility of it being sarcoma and he said that is one of may things it could be.

I've now been told I need to have a biopsy to find out for sure what it is. I know that sarcoma is just in the list of things it could be but Im really struggling. I have bad anxiety anyway and this has sent me into a really dark place. I know that I can't be diagnosed on here but has anyone had any similar experiences? Is that a lot of growth in 3 months? Do benign growths grow too?

Just someone to talk to would be lovely. All my family just keep saying to be positive but it's very difficult. I have small children too so I'm terrified of leaving them. This is so hard. 

  • Hello Worriedmum3, 

    I am so sorry you are still on this rollercoaster ride, months after posting about this for the first time. It sounds like the doctors were not overly worried when they did the MRI a few months ago and that they thought it was a fat lump so I can imagine you didn't expect this second MRI to be such a stressful experience and to be told that the lump had grown in size. Being told sarcoma is one of the things it could be must have understandably panicked you but as you say it's just one of the many things and so try if you can not to anticipate the worst as you simply won't know what it might be until you get the results and there are many other benign conditions it could be. It's good that they are being thorough though in their investigations and the biopsy will be the best way to know exactly what it is. Obviously the long wait for tests and results will exacerbate your anxiety and unfortunately the only thing you can do really is wait but if you see that this long wait is making you feel worse and that you are not coping, do talk to your GP who I am sure will be able to help. I would also recommend you read these helpful tips to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

    Other members of our community may have had similar experiences before and I hope that they will be along shortly to share their story with you. It is normal in a situation like this to struggle to be positive so don't feel under any kind of pressure to be upbeat but try not to let the dark thoughts take over your mind and keep away if you can from the temptation to look anything up on Google. Keep busy and distracted if you can while you are waiting - little ones are actually quite good at keeping us entertained and distracted and I hope that you won't have to wait too long now to get some answers. 

    Keeping everything tightly crossed for you that it all turns out to be just a fatty lump as initially predicted. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator