Can a biopsy detect any cancer?

Hey, this is my first post here. I've come here as I am so scared and worried right now. So about 2 and half weeks ago I found a lump in my right, outer side breast. I've also had other symptoms including swollen collarbone lumps, neck lumps, fatigue, bone pain, back ache and pain, feeling sick all of the time, and severe pain in my shoulder/arm/collarbone. My right breast also seems to have gotten bigger.

I went to the hospital yesterday for an appointment and I saw 2 nurses and 2 consultant's, and a nurse who did an ultrasound of my right breast where the lump is. They told me that they think it is fat necrosis but they did a biopsy to be sure and told me I should get a letter within the next few weeks.

Now I'm sat here worrying. I've been doing a lot of research and I came across Hodgkin's lymphoma, and well my question now is, now that they've taken a breast biopsy, will it detect other cancers if there is any? If not should I push my gp for tests? I genuinely feel so poorly and have done for quite a while now. But am just not sure if its because of the health problems and medications I'm on or if its something I should be pushing about. 

 

Thank you so much.

  • Hello Milly.moo22, 

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. The breast biopsy will analyse the sample they have taken from your breast and will therefore focus on the breast area and whether there is any cause for concern there. If you have other concerns and haven't felt well for quite a while now, it would definitely be worth talking to your doctor about it and discussing with your GP whether you would benefit from having additional tests. Do mention that you are feeling really poorly and don't hesitate to explain all the symptoms in detail. Your doctor will be in the best position to advise you on this and to decide whether further tests would be necessary. 

    I hope that you manage to find out more about what is causing these symptoms and that you feel better soon. 

    Best of luck too for your biopsy results. I hope everything turns out to be fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  •  

    Hi Milly-moo22,

    I am so sorry to hear about how you feel, but am glad to hear that you are pursuing this and are now waiting for results. You will often find it helpful to write down all of your symptoms for any doctor you see, along with relevant timelines. This can be helpful in reventing something important being overlooked. I am not a doctor, but have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and am currently undergoing further investigation for a possible third. I can relate to most of the symptoms that you prescripe, as I suspect a number of other people with breast cancer can. 

    Why not wait and see what the results of your current tests are when they come back?  I woud imagine that if your consultant suspects any other cancers, s/he will refer you on to the necessary specialist for further investigation. If not, certainly have a word with your GP. It is never a good idea to go on to the internet until you know exactly what you are dealing with, as you will only scare yourself further, for no good reason.

    Please keep in touch and let us know when you get your results. We are always here for you.

    Keeping my fingers crossed for good results.


    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx