Breast Clinic Referral and Results for lump

I just wanted to share a positive story about a breast lump referral and results, because while I was waiting for mine, I found very few posts like this and I know how much reassurance they can give when you’re anxious.

I’d been dealing with some chest pain that turned out to be a pulled muscle, but because the pain was radiating into my breast, my GP also did a breast exam. During the exam, they found a small palpable lump behind my left nipple and immediately referred me to the breast clinic on the fast-track pathway. I remembered feeling the lump before, but I’d never really thought it was anything serious, so I hadn’t had it checked previously - which I also told the GP.

I’m 28 and was extremely anxious throughout the whole process. At the breast clinic, the staff were initially very reassuring because of my age and lack of any previous history. However, during the ultrasound, they decided to do a biopsy because they weren’t completely sure what the lump was. Even though they said they weren’t especially concerned and just wanted to be certain, hearing the word “biopsy” was really scary for me.

I then had to wait two weeks for the results, which honestly felt very long, and having the biopsy made the whole situation feel much more stressful. The biopsy itself also left my breast sore and bruised for a while afterward.

Today I finally had my follow-up appointment, and thankfully they told me it was just normal breast tissue and nothing to worry about.

The consultant explained that it’s now quite common to take a biopsy during breast screening if they can easily access a lump, even when they aren’t particularly worried, just to be completely sure.

I hope this helps reassure someone else who’s currently waiting for appointments or results. The nurses and doctors were all incredibly kind, supportive, and understanding throughout the process.

  • Hi Padma_,

    Thank you for your reassuring post. I am delighted to hear that you finally got the all clear today - you must feel mightily relieved! You are right that we don't hear enough good news from breast clinics, even though only 20% of those you attend get a cancer diagnosis and it is so reassuring for those going through this ordeal to know that there are more favourable outcomes than not.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer within a year of each other and I am fortunate enough to still be here, some 16 years after diagnosis.

    I hope that you continue to be cancer free.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • That's lovely news and very reassuring to anyone in your position. I'm sure I remember being told that it was only about one in five of the people called in might be found to have a problem, but it's hard to think of that while you're going through it. My experience of the clinic was that the staff there were very kind and supportive, as you say, and it's a good thing that they did the biopsy to rule out any doubts. Best wishes for your future and good health. Gill xx