Can radiologists tell from a scan if it is breast cancer?

Hi Maxberg1. When you say you had a scan- do you mean a mammogram? My story went like this: mammogram, recall because suspicious mass detected (I hadn't felt anything). At recall I had another mammogram and biopsies taken and yes I was told that it (and a lymph node) seemed suspicious. Like you I then had to wait a week for results and was given findings the following week. Think this is standard way things work so I spent a week waiting to find out if I had cancer or not. Sadly, there is lots of waiting for results at each stage but that's not to say what those results will be so please try not to worry too much (hard I know). 

I've been for CT scan today to see if my cancer has gone any further than my lymph nodes. I now have to wait until 29th for results - it's an agonising wait but I know lots of other lovely ladies on here will give you advice and support as they have to me and it does help. 

Take care xx

Hi ,

You might find it helpful to speak to our radiographer Kate about this - she's in (Missing Forum).

Best wishes

Jess

Macmillan Community Team

Hi  

Warm welcome to the group, let's hope this is a short stay for you.

I'm assuming this was an ultrasound scan for a biopsy to have been taken ?

This is unlikely to be a cyst as they are nearly always fluid filled but this still doesn't mean cancer as there are literally a dozen reasons for a non-cancerous breast lump. Problem is even benign breast lumps can grow so are better removed before they squash and distort blood vessels or invert your nipple.

The tissue sample biopsy sent to the lab will be examined thoroughly to determine what it is made from. Could be calcification, fatty tumour, fibroid or something more worrying.

Do hope for the best rather than fearing the worst but please have someone with you next week in case your fears are confirmed. You will need their support and another pair of ears will pick up on what is being said - If the c word is mentioned you will focus on that and not take in anything else.

Keep posting here we can help you get through the next week with your sanity intact, waiting results is a very scary time.

Fingers crossed for you, take care, G n' J

Yes it was an ultrasound I believe.they used a gun to take a couple of samples.the radiographer said I would hear from them in a week to be discharged or seen in clinic.the following day they phoned asking me to come to clinic so naturally my mind is working overtime as they weren't supposed to be looking st my case Untill the following week.i just wondered if they had detected it visually through the scans as the nurse said there is cause for concern.thanks for your replies.and I hope the time goes quickly for you all waitinf for results x

Evening  

The core samples from the gun (hollow needle clicky thing) go to the lab if it is a not so busy period they can check them quite quickly so information is passed through sooner than normal but you still have to wait until the MDT (multi disciplinary team) has seen the information and decided what is the best course of action for you.

This still doesn't mean cancer but there is something suspicious of you wouldn't have had biopsies taken.

This could go one of several ways -

If it's a benign condition and slow growing you could be placed on watch and wait where you are re-scanned every 3 months or so to check for any changes.  If benign but fast growing probably a lumpectomy to remove the problem meaning day surgery.

The one you don't really want to hear is suspicious and probably cancerous, so we won't go there until you know for sure one way or the other.  It'll do you no good at all to fret and read up on breast cancer as at the moment this isn't you, and hopefully it will stay that way.

Hugs, G n' J

Hi

I was a mammogram recall, had biopsy and told 99% certain cancer and it was. I think they are pretty good at re ignition but need results to establish treatment.

Sorry to be bringer of gloom but best be prepared as not such a shock if it is.

Keeping everything crossed for you

Xx

Thankyou very much x

Dear Maxberg,

I've had 2 lumps in the last 6 years. Found them myself.

Had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy with both. The first was a solid lump and was benign. The second was cancer.

With the second lump the radiologist and consultant asked me to take someone with me to the next appointment. They both thought it was likely cancer BUT also that they could be wrong.

It's good that you have been fast-tracked and they are taking it seriously.

No one wants to have cancer but it it is, then at least you know it is being taken seriously by people who have your best interests at heart.

If it is benign then it will be a huge phew of relief.

Yes it is a waiting game now isn't it.i found the lump myself and after a doctors examination they sent me for an ultrasound within the week.this time next week I will know for sure either way.fingers crossed x

I had routine mammogram round about 21st Sept, 2 days later was recalled for second mammogram, scans, biopsies at different hospital, but got told that day I had got cancer before results of biopsies. Apparently if your lump shows up perfectly round it is ok but mine showed up like "star" faced, which isn't good.

I had operation on 10th October to remove main cancer which was hormone based and also breast tissue, which showed up a different calcium based cancer growing in my breast tissue. I had another operation last Tuesday, a second incision to remove more breast tissue to hopefully remove these other cancer cells which didn't show up on a mammogram, only under a microscope.

I am more sore and in pain with this second op, although my first op involved removing my lymph nodes too.

I am awaiting appointment for radiotherapy and being prescribed cancer drugs. Still in shock, one day I thought I was fit and healthy a few days later told I had cancer.