Core biopsy done today.

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

Hello everyone,

 

I’ve been reading this forum since last month where I found a lump near my arm pit. To cut a long story short. The gp was convinced it was an abscess/infection, so gave me antibotics. It didn’t do anything, so went back and they referred me to Royal marsden. I just came back from an appointment today. The breast specialist nurse was convinced after my initial assessment that it was an abscess. She wanted an ultrasound to make sure. Ultrasound was done, but the radiographer said it looked like an abscess but it is quite hard and large (17mm) she then thought maybe she could aspirate it. She tried a needle aspiration, hardly nothing came out. Went back to talk to the nurse specialist. Who said to do a biopsy. Biopsy x 2 done, really really painful when it hit the edge of the lump I think. Really stung! The tissue fortunately was soft, which I hear is a good thing? 

 

Was called again by the nurse, she spoke to me about how ‘unsure’ the ultrasound imaging looks but is sure that it’s not malignant. However because it looks ‘abit weird’ it’s best that I come in for the result.

 

my husband is relieved because the specialist nurse said it doesn’t look malignant but I can’t help but worry. She was adamant that it was an abscess but no pus or fluid came out during aspiration. Can it be a cyst? The lump is still there. I don’t even know if they left a marker. Is the fact that I didn’t have a mamogram good news? I don’t know! Any experiences please reply xxx

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Hi my experience from talking to ladies on the forum over the last 4 years is that nothing is really certain until you get biopsy results back .The medics are skilled at looking at ultrasound /mammograms but sometimes things are no clear cut and the results of the biopsy do surprise them.In my case they told me they didn’t think it was suspicious but did biopsy as a precaution and only gave me a telephone appointment for the results - unfortunately they were wrong and I ended up being called to go into to the hospital and frantically trying to get hold of my husband .I think it is better to have an face to face appointment and to have someone there ready  to support you if needed .the vast majority of biopsies taken turn out not to be cancer so the odds are on your side .When is your appointment ?