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Ultrasound sound test for small hard lump on stomach

DavidS24
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  • 35 subscribers
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I first noticed a lump at the start of April and showed my doctor. She referred me on an non urgent referral.

It took bout 6 weeks but I got an ultrasound yesterday I thought she was going to say it was nothing but the nurse said she would have to send it off to the raidologist. Given that I was not given an urgent referral I thought the risk would be low.

I just wondered what are the chances of a small hard lump being cancer. ? I am starting to panick now as the sonicgrapher told me if it was nothing she would tell me then and there. But she did not give me any summary and said I need to call my GP. 

  • Hi DavidS24

    Welcome to the Online Community here at Macmillan. I hope you find the support of others in similar circumstances helpful and reassuring to have. My name is Vanessa, and I am one of the information nurses.  

     

    I’m sorry to hear that you have been left feeling so worried after your recent ultrasound scan.

     

    It’s not possible for me to say what the chances are of this being cancer as I am unable to see you or your NHS records. However, I can reassure you that it is normal process for an ultrasound scan to be sent for analysis rather than results being given there and then. This allows the scan to be reviewed in detail, normally by a radiologist who is skilled in both undertaking and analysing scans. This can take a little time depending on how busy the department where you had the scan is. Results are then summarised in a report which is normally shared with the person who requested your scan- in your case this would be your GP.

     

    It's difficult for me to say why you were told you may get your results on the day. Sometimes this is possible if the images are clear and the person undertaking the scan is suitably qualified and experienced in interpreting those images. But as described above this is not always possible and does not necessarily mean that the sonographer saw cancer.

     

    Waiting for any test result is hard. Its normal to feel worried. There is no right or wrong way to deal with these feelings. Some people find it helps to carry on with their usual activities as much as possible. Continuing with everyday activities, such as going to work, can be a welcome distraction from worrying. Other people may feel they cannot concentrate on anything else.

     

    Some people look for more information on the internet during this time. Searching for information can help you feel more in control while you wait for your results. But this is not always helpful as a lot of the information available online may not apply to your own situation.

     

    You can also always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.

     

     

    Take care

     

    Vanessa G, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref VG/GG

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