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[JDog]

Hi there ! I found a small, what I thought was hard and immobile lump in my breast a fortnight ago. I went to my breast clinic here in the Uk and the consultant said it was ”squidgy “ and mobile ! I had a mammogram, ultrasound and a fine needle aspiration. What I’m concerned about is that the consultant didn’t feel the same lump I felt, also where he marked on my chest and took the sample from , was nowhere near the lump ! Has anybody had any similar experience ? I’m worrying myself silly x

[bombsh3ll]

I think if there's any concern that the wrong area has been biopsied you really do need to go back and speak to the breast clinic.

If there is anything there, the mammogram should hopefully help identify the location, however not everything shows on imaging especially if it is small.

This is one of those situations where it is too important to leave it and not advocate for yourself. If it was your best friend, mum or sister you would be saying the same thing to them I'm sure.

[CLKD]

How far 'off' was the mark and fine needle aspiration from the site where you feel the lump?

Was there a Nurse present to whom you could have mentioned your concerns ?  Was the consultant sociable at the time or did U feel rushed?

Regardless of the result of the needle biopsy, from experience the lump should be removed. My results, even at initial surgery were 'as to be expected'.  Until the lump went to histology; my Surgeon's advice is that 'no breast contains a lump'.

....... and breath.  Write a list then make an appt with your GP and discuss your worries, is the result to be sent to you directly?

In the mean time, stop poking and prodding ;-).  It will make the area sore.  A few weeks of waiting for results and further consult R unlikely to make much difference to the outcome.  Now that U have had the initial exam U are in control regardless of what the first results turn out to be.

Let us know. 

[JDog]

Thank you for your reply. I was quite worried at my appointment and was just caught up in the moment so to speak. It wasn’t till I got home that I thought about it and then all these questions came into my head .
The mark and fine aspiration site was probably about 3cm away from the lump. I’ve got an appointment with my gp on Monday and I’m going to voice my concerns then. Do you know if they can re refer you ? Xx

[CLKD]

Did U self refer to the Breast Clinic?  I think that you should discuss and get your worries noted on your medical records .  Problem with self referral in any speciality is that without a GP letter, many health issues that could be relevant to the patient may be missed as a) the patient doesn't remember, b) they may not think other issues are relevant and c) in the worst case scenario, the Consultant may not ask important questions.

Was the aspiration done under X-ray control so that the medic could guide the needle into the area?

Make that list of worries ;-). My husband has said a moment ago when I asked how big 3cm might be, that 'no healthy breast has a lump in it'.  Which are the words my Surgeon told us.  Mum had cysts which always had to be removed for histology on an 'in case' basis. 

[JDog]

No I didn’t self refer , I was referred by my gp . I will definitely make a list for when I go on Monday.
No the aspiration wasn’t done under X-ray or ultrasound, which worries me as well x

[Penguin]

I wonder if the place he marked is because of the angle he needed to go in at, ie the needle wouldn't necessarily go straight in but may need to be angled a certain way to get to the lump?
Agree you should raise your concerns with your GP,  but the above is first thing that springs to mind.

[CLKD]

That crossed my mind Penguin and it's so long since I had mine aspirated [1991] .  Pity that medics don't explain the whys/where4s 

[JDog]

Than you Penguin that did cross my mind.
I just hope I don’t hit a brick wall when I question my gp about it and he takes my concerns seriously . I suffer from health anxiety and I’m hoping that he doesn’t brush me off because of this.

[VioletAquarius]

I thought the same as Penguin, about the angle to be able to go in at. 
Could you phone the consultant's secretary up? It might say something in your notes.

[CLKD]

Health anxiety is 'common' at our age.  Make a list of worries to take.

How do U feel this morning?

[Hurdity]

 my Surgeon's advice is that 'no breast contains a lump'.

Just for information. I've had two lumps neither of which were removed. One was a fibroadenoma - determined by ultrasound (I have/had lumpy breasts and regularly suffered from mastitis when breast-feeding my babies) and the second was a galactocoele - determined by aspiration (milk lump). Neither biopsied.  Both resolved eventually.

Hurdity x

[JDog]

Hi everyone and thank you so much for your replies.
I’m feeling ok today, but I’ve just done a 10 hour shift at work, so that’s taken my mind off things, another one tomorrow then I’m on holiday !
I’m just a little worried about my doctors appointment on Monday, I’ve just got a feeling he’s going to dismiss all of my concerns because I suffer with health anxiety,but these are genuine worries xx

[CLKD]

Take that list.  Try not to over think as breast worries must be taken seriously.  If U feel dismissed then speak to the Practice Manager to C whether you can see a Nurse Practitioner immediately.

Also do ring the Breast Clinic if U don't feel listened to in the Appt..

[JDog]

Thank you CLKD I will xx