2 lumps and calcification

Attended GP with a pea sized lump on my bra line where the breast and ribs meet just below my armpit. On examination, he felt a second larger mass. Then seen by Consultant and had mammogram (several, awful experience), ultrasound and needle biopsy of both. Now waiting on results of biopsy and have been referred for an MRI. I've been reading on here that often the consultant will give a good indication that they think they are looking at cancer but can't say without the biopsy. For me, he said there is an area of concern with calcification and a mass and they need to find out what is going on with it but said they couldn't say either way if it's cancer. When I asked the nurse after if he was just saving my feelings, she said no that they just don't know with me but that there is an area of concern. I don't know what to make of this. And dnt know now if I'm being paranoid that my breasts are tender and how long have I ignored this? He said my lymph nodes and armpit appear clear "at this time" which I can only take as some good. I would welcome a reply on here. Feel a bit alone and have only told my husband.

  • Hi Shelley739,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    Sometimes consultants can see that there is a lump present, by looking at mammogram or ultrasound scan and can be pretty sure that there is cancer present. If they suspect anything untoward, they will usually tell you outright. At other times, they see something which 'concerns' them, but they can't be sure and further tests are needed, before they can reach a diagnosis. I presume that this is why you're being sent for an MRI. Once the lump has been identified, the biopsies are taken from some of the suspicious looking tissue and it is these that determine whether or not there is any cancer present. There is not usually any pain associated with breast cancer and many of us are unaware that there is anything amiss prior to diagnosis.  Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts or fibroadenoma. It is a fact that only 20% of those who attend the breast clinic, will get a cancer diagnosis.

    I have had 3 cancer scares. Two turned out to be breast cancer and the third was pre-cancerous. All of these occurred within a year and I had to have a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies, followed by CT and MRI scans. My mind went into overdrive, when I needed the additional tests, but I have since discovered that this was my consultant being thorough and striving to get an accurate diagnosis. He did tell me, at my first appointment, on all three occasions, that he was pretty sure that they were all cancerous. He was right with two, but fortunately, the third was benign. I had a double mastectomy second time around and have never looked back. It is now 15 years since my diagnosis and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    Waiting for results is always an anxious time and it is all the harder, when you need additional tests. Did they say when your results will be back?

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you for your reply Jolaime. He did say it could be a couple of weeks for the biopsy results and he will be discussing me with the MDT. Haven't had the MRI yet. I was at the NHS breast clinic in 2011 and they sent me on my merry way after it advising I had a fibroadenoma, this was on the other breast. I went privately this time as the wait to be seen on NHS was expected to be 6-7 weeks. They now want to access the 2022 images to check if there is any change on that side as there is a lump there too which he says he isn't concerned about as such. The nurse said something about carcinoma in situ or pre cancerous as a possibility but also that they just don't know. I have a feeling that it's not good.

  • Hi Shelley,

    It will be helpful to compare your 2022 images with the new ones. All cases are discussed at an MDT before the patient is informed of the results. We nearly all seem to expect the worst at this stage, but fortunately, that doesn't often  turn out too be the outcome. 

    Try to look at the positives too. The consultant told you that your lymph nodes in your armpit look clear - that's good news. What the nurse said about this possibly being pre-cancerous is also reassuring. Even if there is something untoward present it will be treatable. I had a lumpectomy first time around, followed by a double mastectomy for the second bout. I took hormone therapy for 7½ years. It was challenging at times, but it was "doable" and no where near as nasty as I expected it to be.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Jolamine, thanks for this. It does help to hear from others who have been through it. i will update once I know a bit more

  • I've been booked in for an MRI with contrast of both breasts for next Wednesday via NHS. This happened very quickly.

  • Hi Shelley,

    I'm glad to hear that you don't have that long to wait for your MRI, although to you another week probably feels like a lifetime! I shall be thinking of you next Wednesday and hope that it all goes well,

    Jolamine xx

  • My biopsy results came back on Thursday but they haven't been shared with me. I rang a few times and left messages, in such a panic. Are they avoiding me? Why put me through the misery of waiting 

  • Hi Shelley,

    Please try not to panic. I don't believe that anyone is avoiding you. Your MRI results will need to be checked by a radiologist, before they are sent to your consultant. Your consultant may then want to discuss the findings at his MDT (Multidisciplinary team) meeting, before he discusses the outcome with you. These meetings are mostly held on a weekly basis, on a particular day of the week. You will possibly receive a telephone call to come in for an appointment after this meeting is held. Hopefully, you won't have much longer to wait, now that your results are back.

    Jolamine xx

  • So I have invasive carcinoma. Not seeing consultant until next Tuesday when MRI results, HER2 and Estrogen status results are back. Strangely, I knew it wasn't going to be good. To think I only checked my breast randomly after having a bad dream about cancer