Palpable, hard, irregular edged lump on ultrasound - next steps, advice? 33 year old female

Have I got breast cancer? Appointments and waiting for test results
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Hi all,

I’m 33-years-old and found a solid lump in my breast about 6-8 weeks ago. I’m not a regular checker at all, so I’ve no idea how long it’s really been palpable – I just noticed it very randomly in the shower one day. Since then, I’ve been examined by the doctor and was sent for an ultrasound.

I had the ultrasound today (not as uncomfortable as I had imagined!). At the end of the scan, the technician who performed it suggested to me that the doctor would probably want to do follow up imaging – but likely not a mammogram because of my age. She said the lump had irregular edges, but she thought it might be moveable. I took a look at the scans on the screen and it was dark, did look to have ill-defined/fuzzy borders and wasn’t round or oval.

I’m kind of scared, I’d so much hoped it was a simple cyst. In saying that though, I had a gut feeling it wouldn’t be – it doesn’t feel round, smooth or squishy, instead it’s rough and hard and something just feels wrong about it.

Anyway, the results should be with my doctor in a few days and I was just thinking about what will happen next. I’m really looking for some advice/opinions/experiences – if the doctor only order follow up imaging in several months’ time, should I advocate or request a biopsy?

I have a PhD in biological sciences, so that part of my brain feels like a definitive pathology test is the only way to really tell what’s going on. I just feel so anxious, and imagine I’ll continue to for the months following if I’m waiting for more imaging.

I’m totally aware this is all emotionally driven as well though, so I’m really just looking for people who have been there or are going through this… Am I being crazy? Is it unreasonable to request something like that if it isn’t offered?

If it helps for reference, I’m from the UK but now living in Canada. I have only non-immediate relatives who have had breast cancer, and I’ve not felt lumps in my breasts before (though, as I said, I’m not a regular checker).

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Dear zissou,

So sorry to read you post, also you are so young, but also have a great knowledge of what’s happening, I feel you need to hang in there at the moment, and wait for your medical team to point you in the right direction.

I’m sorry I’m not being very helpful to you, thinking of you, wishing you health and happiness going forward.

I always say one day at a time with the biggest hugs

Tili :pray::rainbow::pray::rainbow:

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My personal opinion is after all the scans are complete, if they can’t assure you it’s benign and put a label on what kind of benign lump it is, then request a biopsy. Better to be safe than sorry. I’m so sorry for this stress though. We have all been there and are well aware of the horror of it. Just hang in there.

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Hi, I’m sure if they suspect it’s cancer you’ll be given a biopsy as cancer does seem to be treated with urgency from my personal experience here. From finding my lump, I saw my GP, was referred to an Oncologist, had a mammogram, CT scan & biopsy at the same time, followed by 2 surgeries & radiotherapy all in exactly 5 months, then was given the all clear. You read a lot about different breast cancers on this forum & fortunately most are treatable. Good luck, you’re not alone in this.

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Thank you to all 3 of you for such kind responses, I really appreciate it 🩷

Everything you said makes sense - i just need to wait and follow the lead from my doctor. I was very anxious yesterday, but having some sleep and reading your responses has helped my calm down a little. I guess I just want to feel in control somehow, but I will just have to accept that I can’t be in this case! I’ll find out one way or another soon enough.

Anyway - thank you again. I’m really glad I’ve found this place for information and support 🩷

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If the doctors think it’s suspicious, they will definitely do a biopsy. Try not to worry too much until you get results. ( I know, easier said than done)

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Hi @zissou are you seeing the consultant privately? I think you need to see the results first. I know the feeling…when I had a US I also saw the dark area with the edges, etc. Got a PhD myself and honestly, this doesn’t help. I was reading so much and worrying myself. You need to wait and see what the results are going to show first. You are so young so they will do whatever is necessary if needed. You don’t know yet what that dark area is. The thoughts in your head are not facts. You need to remember that.
I also think that living is Canada is a bonus…the doctors will do whatever is best for you…but you can always second opinion and I have learned that we need to advocate for ourselves but you are not there yet…just stay positive!! I know that the worst thing is the wait and the unknown been there done that many times but it gets easier…

Wishing you all the best.

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Hi mun4o,

Thanks for your reply and for the very rational and kind words - it’s been really helpful to have everyone here give me their thoughts. My head was spinning yesterday, and like you, I was googling and reading like mad! I think I just got worked up thinking of what could be or the worst case scenarios, but as you said - we don’t know yet.

I’m not seeing anyone privately, but I’m in a tricky situation with my work permit changing over and a lapse in my current health coverage - so if I do need anything else, I’ll need to wait until that’s back up and running (maybe a month or so) or pay myself. My plan now is to just wait and see what the doctor says - if it comes to needing anything else, then I’ll ask how quickly he thinks it needs to be done, or whether I can wait the period while my health coverage gets put back in place.

In any case, I’m just trying to keep calm now, especially after hearing from everyone here. My husband has been excellent at finding lots of fun distractions for us this weekend and I’ll have lots to focus on with work during the week, so that is helpful too.

Thank you again, I appreciate it!

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Hi @zissou my husband was also my rock through everything so I think that’s the best way forward staying positive, doing lots of fun things and work can also be a distraction. Honestly, I can say that 3 years after my diagnosis I am a different person… everything happens for a reason and my priorities definitely have changed…

Again wishing you all the best and please do let us now how you get on with everything…

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Hello again - I just wanted to come back on here to thank you and everyone for all of your support earlier this year. I also wanted to give you an update.

My ultrasound came back as probably a fibroadenoma, but I had to go back for a 3 month follow up. I had my follow up in Nov and they found 2 more masses behind my nipple which they said are suspicious. My GP has referred me to a breast specialist clinic, so I’m just waiting for my follow up with them… Feels like the appointment is taking so long to come through, I was hoping it might be before Christmas but its looking unlikely!

I was referred for a mammogram, but the radiologist advised it should be cancelled in favour of an MRI. I haven’t heard anything about this either though. All feels a bit up in the air, but I’m trying to be positive - at least my referral is in, so the process is moving!

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