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Breast lump waiting for tests

EmiliaR
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Hi I'm needing some reassurance with what the next steps are.

I'm 28 and found a fairly solid lump in my right breast that I don't recall felling before (I try to check semi-regularly with a family history of cancer). I went to the doctor's on Wednesday and she agreed it felt different to my other lumps and bumps, a lot more solid but she did say she thought it is likely benign (the type that begins with F, I'm not sure what it was) but wanted to refer me anyway. I got my referral appointment through the next day for the 20th May and I'm terrified of what comes next. She said I will likely get an ultrasound and a biopsy.

What is the process for a biopsy? It sounds so painful. How long does it take? And how quickly do the results come in? I'm autistic and don't handle not knowing what to expect but I briefly googled and it made everything worse so hoping someone here might be able to shed some light on what happens next.

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    Iv had alot of cancer in my family & myself has suffered from fiberglass in my breast for years, iv had a green discharge for over 10yrs & have been to the breast clinic for years, the discharge was ever tested last year my breast was tender, I was referred back discharge was tested & 2 cancerous lumps were found i had 2ops & radiotherapy & its just coming up 1 year now, & I'm alot better what ve it away was smelly wee & impetigo on my face took me 4months to get into my Dr's, if you've got it early there's loads they can do Good luck  

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    Hi EmiliaR,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you've been referred to the breast clinic and understand your concerns. You have done the right thing by getting this investigated and I sincerely hope that your GP is right and that it turns out to be a benign Fibroadenoma. When you attend the clinic, you will be seen by a consultant, who will discuss your symptoms and then examine your breasts. You are then likely to be sent for an ultrasound followed by a biopsy. The ultrasound shows up the lump and any changes in the breast tissue and it is totally painless. If you need a biopsy, you will be given an injection to numb the area of your breast that the sample will be taken from it. This will determine whether or not there is any cancer present. The instrument that takes the sample, is like a larger needle which removes a small amount of tissue. Don't be alarmed if they need to take a few samples, as they frequently do. You shouldn't feel anything and it should all be over in just a few minutes.

    There is then another wait of 1-2 weeks, before you get the results of these tests. We always advised people not to Google, as this doesn't give any answers and only serves to scare them.

    I sincerely hope that all turns out well for you. Even if not, breast cancer is very treatable. I have had 2 bouts, within less than a year of each other. That was all 15 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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