So many questions…

Radiologists are usually very experienced and most of them can tell a malignant mass (tumour) from a benign one based on what they see. They, however, cannot be 100% sure about what appears to be a suspicious area in your breast without a biopsy. Biopsy is also needed to see what grade your cancer is or, in other words, how abnormal the cancer cells are. The nurse said 'suspicious' for the same reason - without a biopsy they cannot be 100% sure it's cancer. This is the routine procedure. Of course there is a chance they might be wrong, but as Coddfish mentioned in our previous exchange, it's better to be prepared. Apart from that, 2cm is considered to be a small tumour which is good. Once again, fingers crossed for your scan tomorrow!

Lana xx

Hi Sausagedogfan 

As I mentioned on one of my replies on your previous post, the radiographers use a scale to document what they see. Lumps that look suspicious are biopsied. So when the nurse said suspicious lump she is being consistent with what happened at your appointment. You don’t receive a formal diagnosis until your biopsy samples have been examined in the lab. But as I said before it’s best to be prepared that it will be cancer. They wouldn’t worry you unnecessarily. I think most people come away from breast clinic with a very strong steer whether it is or isn’t cancer.

Grading is how different the cells look to normal cells. Grade 3 is the most different. They also look at receptors - whether the cancer is responding to any, all or none of oestrogen, progesterone and human growth hormone. The CT scan will tell them whether there is anything beyond the lymph nodes. The size of the lump, the suspicion about lymph nodes, the data from the CT, the grade and the receptor status will all be factors in your treatment plan. Don’t worry if the treatment plan ends up being different to the options they mentioned in the clinic. It will be the appropriate treatment plan for you. 

Thanks! I had the CT scan today and it had a dye in it, made me feel really sick  

Yes, it helps show the internal structures more clearly. I hope you feel ok now. 

Hiya, sorry you find yourself here. Yes I was also told by the consultant radiologist and consultant at the time of the ultrasound. They said they could tell from the scan it was cancer and the biopsy was to determine which type. I think sometimes it’s so obvious to them they tell you there and then. They also told me then I had lymph involvement. Trust me there’s always a friend who thinks they know better than you!! You were the one at the appointments, don’t start doubting yourself. They also don’t order the CT for nothing. It’s incredibly frightening and this stage of partial information is really challenging. All the best x