Ask for Ultrasound?

Have I got breast cancer? Appointments and waiting for test results
1

Hi,

I think I need some advice or just a different perspective.

I am 45.

In November 24 both my breasts started being very itchy - without any obvious reason (no change of lotion, detergent, clothes etc)
I got a steroid cream for that and that has taken the worst itch.

In December I felt something in my right breast in the shower. I monitored it, could only feel it in a certain position. In February I finally contacted my GP.

The GP checked me in different positions and felt it too, but also only standing up.
She clearly said, there is something in one breast but not in the other.

Within 2 days I had a breast clinic appointment and was scheduled to see a surgeon, have mammogram and ultrasound.

The surgeon saw me and, I know it sounds silly, but I had the feeling, didn’t take me too seriously. He examined my breasts ONLY lying down, it was over in seconds. He said there is nothing, same in both breasts, normal tissue, cancelled the ultrasound but sent me for a mammogram (I have annual mammograms anyway).

Afterwards I couldn’t believe I hadn’t mentioned to him that the GP and I only felt it standing up. But it seemed all so rushed and I was a bit overwhelmed. And I thought he is the expert, he would know.

Anyway, I went to the mammogram this Monday. The sonographer looked at the picture of the bit where I had told her I had felt the “mass”, said “I see…” (I know, probably meant nothing) and wanted to send me for an ultrasound.
Then she said “oh, I see there was an ultrasound scheduled but cancelled. We have problems today anyway, but 2 specialists will check the images and if they think it is necessary, they will call you back in.”
Yesterday I got the letter online, that the mammogram is not showing anything suspicious - case closed, patient discharged.

I still feel the mass. If the GP hadn’t felt it too, I would doubt myself even more than I do already.

My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39, late. It was metastatic after she had not been taken seriously the first time she felt something and was sent home.
This is of course also playing on my mind.

I have dense tissue and have always been told that for that reason ultrasound was more effective. (I used to have annual mammogram and ultrasound from the age of 25 because of the family history - in a different country)

I know I should look at the letter and say great, move on! But the subconscious uncertainty won’t shift.

I wonder if I should ask for an US or if I am obsessing and should trust the surgeon and the mammogram?

I think I’m just wondering if someone has a similar experience?

I am well aware that most likely there is nothing or a harmless reason, but as I am not the only one who feels it, I would have needed a
Yes, we see it but it’s harmless
Instead if a
No, there’s nothing there.

Sorry for all this, I know it sounds confused.
But thank you so much for reading :slight_smile:

3 Likes
2

Hi @loncat
Sounds a horrible experience , you could go back to GP and explain everything and ask for second opinion , surgeons can make mistakes or miss something .
Why don’t you also speak to one of the nurses on helpline they always have good advice and can be reassuring .
Good luck x

1 Like
3

Please trust your instincts and go back to your GP as soon as possible and get a new referral to someone else. Yes, it may well be nothing but given everything you’ve said I think you need a second opinion.
Sending you best wishes. I know how truly stressful this is.

3 Likes
4

Thank you so much for your replies, angelajane and charlottebee. :slightly_smiling_face:
It really helps to read that. x

I keep thinking maybe I seem obsessive because of my family history. I am sure that, had the GP not confirmed the irregularity, I would have left it there until my next routine mammogram next year.

I have asked for a second opinion this afternoon and the GP practice have sent a referral letter.

I know I shouldn’t doubt it because - what do I lose if I get a second opinion and it turns out to be nothing? I would gain reassurance.

So thank you again for replying xx

3 Likes
5

I’m sorry you have been through this and haven’t been able to get the reassurance you need and deserve. You MUST go back to
The GP and get referred again. Are you in a position to get a private referral? Scans aren’t cheap but if you get reassurance then it’s money well spent. If not pursue with GP. Any changes should be taken seriously. You also mention that you have dense breasts. Well it’s now recognised that mammograms don’t always pick up things in a dense breast, although they are good at picking up calcifications. I’m not surprised you are pushing for an ultrasound.

I’m also not surprised you forgot to mention about how the GP only felt the lump standing up after all the worry you’ve been through. It’s not on, but sometimes I’ve had more support from my GP than the breast clinic. It’s a postcode lottery. Some Trusts have a belt and braces approach and give scans, mine didn’t. They even refused an US when I begged. They made it clear I wouldn’t get an MRI either, not a chance!

Good luck with everything and I hope all goes well for you. x

1 Like
6

Thank you Frances. X :two_hearts:
It is so lovely, reassuring and helpful to read other people’s supportive messages when I’m so torn between doubting myself and pursuing it.
I did decide to pursue, for my peace of mind.
I have private insurance and my GP has written a referral letter yesterday for a private consultation.

I’m sure it is nothing, I really am. Nevertheless I feel it is important to know WHAT it is I am feeling, especially for the future; I would never trust myself to flag it again, should I feel anything I’m uncertain about.

1 Like
7

I’m glad you’re going to get seen again. I’m 42, and I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer last summer. The consultant couldn’t feel it and it was invisible on the mammogram, only the ultrasound picked it up (I could feel something had changed, but no lump). I now know that lobular breast cancer doesn’t form lumps and is often missed on a mammogram, so essential that you have an ultrasound too. x

c06870f2-6fc9-4476-a54e-4c04633d6827-1_all_44614
c06870f2-6fc9-4476-a54e-4c04633d6827-1_all_446141080Ă—958 158 KB

3 Likes
8

I’m so sorry to hear you are going through this, flower. x
And I wish you all the best :two_hearts:
Thank you, stories like yours are the reason why I can’t just settle with a “there is nothing suspicious” mammogram result.

1 Like
9

I’m glad you are getting it checked . March 2024 I had 2cm lobular that did not show on mammogram , I’d been referred as I had a slight “ flaw” on my boob skin . 18 months earlier , I’d found a lump but both NHS and private said was a probably cyst . Same area . I did have ultrasounds but I wish I’d insisted on a biopsy originally . I knew nothing about lobular then , if I did I’d have pushed back on their cyst diagnosis in 2022. A 2cm tumour doesn’t grow in 18 months :rage:. Good luck x

1 Like
10

I’m so sorry to read this klf. :two_hearts: And thank you so much for sharing your experience. x

That will help me massively to push for further clarification, IF the ultrasound shows something.
And will stop me from holding back for all the wrong reasons.

I didn’t know about lobular breast cancer before I wrote this post.
It’s such a shame that examinations are cut short because of the cost factor and yet you read so much about women who could have been treated much earlier than they were because of a lack of investigation.
I hope you are doing well :two_hearts:

1 Like
11

Hi @loncat - not confusing at all! I’m with the others. See your GP, get 2nd opinion. I’d push very hard for either US or possibly even MRI. Reason is that a lobular breast cancer is easily missed on both mammograms & US in early stage. In some places MRI is used with lobular patients. Mine was invasive lobular grade 2 breast cancer when diagnosed. After neo-adjuvant chemo (to reduce for effective simple mastectomy) & radiotherapy, radiologist letter confirmed that original tumour covered a full 80% of breast tissue. Reduced to several spots of micro tumour before surgery. Yet on US both breast & nodes didn’t show any trace of disease by then. Early stage lobular is easily missed. In your shoes I would go back.
Oh - there is a US research paper which shows that 66% of lobular cancers are invasive at point of diagnosis.
That is NOT metastasised, but spread from original site in breast to other lobes or the ducts etc. With you all the way Axx

1 Like
12

I agree with all the other replies. Return and insist. They may be specialists, but nobody knows your body bettter than yourself and if you feel you need an ultrasound or scan, then make sure they listen to you.

1 Like
13

Thank you for your message. x

I have a 2nd consultation next Wednesday and will hopefully be better prepared, less overwhelmed and reassured at the end of it. :slightly_smiling_face:
I hope you are doing well!! xx

14

Thank you. x
You are right, and I am glad I posted here and got so much help and support. :two_hearts:

It’s ridiculous but I still check every morning if it is still there. I’m almost worried that I’m just imagining it and using up someone else’s time/ appointment.
And this despite the fact that I find it every morning unchanged and that I have the confirmation from my GP who felt it too…. !

15

Hi - that’s great news. Keep strong & focused. You know your body & physical exams are nothing more than finding changes. Thx I’m really good.
Long effective treatment, LB mastectomy, back to full health, cancer free, & prognosis excellent. Lucky. Axx

1 Like
16

Hi,
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for your answers and support and give an update.
I had my appointment and ultrasound yesterday. The consultant took her time to explain everything and reassure me. The scan showed 3 small cysts but nothing of concern.
I’m just relieved that I got the reassurance I needed and feel grateful. Now back to my annual mammograms.

I wish you all the best! Lots of love x

2 Likes
17

Fantastic result, I bet you’re relieved. Glad you got a proper assessment. x