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Can doctor tell before results? Been told I have cancer before my biopsy results have come through

Jax999
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Sorry for the long winded post but I’m still confused.

I found a lump in breast and was put on the 2 week pathway which was great.

Was seen very quickly, everyone was lovely, got sent during the same appointment for mammogram, then ultrasound plus placement of markers after 5 core biopsy’s , then back to see the doctor who told me it was cancer and an appointment was made for me to see the consultant/surgeon for this coming Thursday. I’ve managed to access my gp notes where they’ve written to my gp saying M4 and U4 .

so my question is why would the doctor say I have cancer without the biopsy results, could she be wrong.

thanks for reading x

  • Hi Jax999,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand this must be confusing and is probably also causing some worry - I hope you are getting on as OK as can be.

    Usually it would be after results are received that you would get the information as well as details on next steps. I can't advise for sure in this instance as to why you've been told what you have.

    It's good to hear you don't have long to wait for the appointment. It may help to write down any questions you have prior to this, so you can talk everything through.

    You are also more than welcome to give our nurses a call if you'd like to speak to someone before the appointment. You can reach them on freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Jax999,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    It is not unusual for doctors to tell their patients straight away if they suspect that they have cancer. They deal with this day in day out and can often detect that things are awry before the results of the biopsies come back. I have been told by my consultant at an initial visit that he was sure that all three lumps I had  on three separate occasions, were highly suspicious. He was right twice, but the third was pre-cancerous. Despite what you are told, you really have to wait for your biopsy results to be certain. I expect that in a way, this is your consultant's way of preparing you for bad news when you get your results.

    I am glad to see that you are seeing the surgeon on Thursday and hope that the news will be better than you're expecting. 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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    Jax I’m in exactly the same position. Was told that the mammogram and ultrasound showed what is very likely to be a cancerous lump before biopsy results. I have to wait a week to get confirmation. I guess they see so many scans that they can usually tell. I’m going to spend the week getting proactive! Teaching my kids to iron, get some spring cleaning done! Have some coffee dates with friends. 
    sending a hug, take care x

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