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 

Thanks Jolamine

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