Do they think it’s cancer?

Hi

The last couple of weeks have been confusing. My daughter (14y/o) had complained of arm pain for approx 2 months. 2 weeks ago pain got worse, stopping her sleeping at night and we could feel a lump just below her elbow. I called 111, concerned she had an infection, they said to go to A&E who did an X-ray, no sign of broken bone but there was a sort of fuzzy bit around part of the bone. We were told this was probably just how X-ray was taken and she has tendonitis.

The next day I had a phone call that she had to go in for an MRI scan the next day, followed by an appointment with doctor in children's department the day after. At that appointment, the doctor said they had found a lump that could be a cyst, benign or malignant. A nurse was in there for support. My daughter has been referred for a biopsy, her results are being reviewed by MDT. That was 10 days ago, we still wait hearing when biopsy will be but I think the bank holiday has caused a delay.

My mind is going crazy! We've had 'welfare' calls from our GP just to see how we are. My question is this: do they already know it's cancer from the MRI? I understand only a biopsy can give an official diagnosis, but surely the MRI must have given some clue other than there's a lump (I could have told them that just by feeling her arm!). 

I don't know whether I'm just driving myself crazy, but I feel like they already know, and the appointment was to prepare us to expect it before they officially diagnose? 

  • Hello rachali

    I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's recent health concerns. It sounds as if it's a very difficult time for you all and it's understandable that you're feeling anxious about what this lump may be. 

    It's not always possible to tell from one individual test if something is benign or cancerous but it may be that at the MDT the team is better able to understand what it is that they've seen on the MRI. Hopefully, she won't have to wait too long for the biopsy and you'll have some firm answers about what this is. 

    We know that this period of uncertainty can be really difficult and it's natural for your mind to go into overdrive. I wonder if you'd find it helpful to talk things through with one of our team of nurses? I'm sure that they will be able to give you some advice and support ahead of the next appointments. If you'd like to speak with them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch rachali and let us know how things go. 

    Sending my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  •  

    Hi Rachali,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. What an unenviable position to be in. Jenn is correct. A biopsy is the only way to be certain whether or not a lump is benign. A few years ago I had a lump in the same place as your daughter. I had to have all the usual scans and biopsy, but fortunately, it turned out to be a lipoma (fatty lump) which was benign.

    I sincerely hope that your daughter gets her biopsy soon and that nothing untoward is found.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how it all goes. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you so much, that's reassuring to know. I had been thinking it was pretty much certain. I'm pleased yours was harmless, hopefully my daughters is too x 

  • Thank you Jenn, I know only a biopsy can say for sure, I'm just going mad not knowing sitting round waiting with nothing to do, so I'm on here asking people questions they can't possibly know the answer to!