Oncologist used tape measure to try to measure breast tumour!

Was a nurse present during this exam?  If not ring Macmillan help line as I understood that another female should always be present during intimate examination.  

My goodness, I find this so shocking and this doctor’s actions very wrong, in my opinion he’s overstepped the boundaries. Also, if he didn’t explain to you what or why he was doing such an action means he did not obtain your CONSENT.

Personally, I’ve always been asked if I’d like a chaperone, even when examinations were carried out by a female doctor/nurse.

Hi

This is inappropriate behaviour and he should have asked for your consent and brought in a chaperone.

Please report this to your link person or breast care nurse 

PinkJ

Just to add, as you so rightly state, the ultrasound and MRI was to measure the tumour. There was no rhyme or reason for him to use a tape measure on you.

Thank you so much everyone, I'm so relieved to hear this is not the norm. it has completely knocked me sideways, I was so shocked. My surgeon & all of the breast care staff have been wonderful. I hoped to have a couple of relaxing days over Christmas but this has really affected me. I will speak to someone when I go fo a further ultrasound on Wednesday. Thank you so much.

Hi Carol no a nurse was not present and my husband sat outside of the curtains concerned there was no female nurse present & he didn't ask me if I wanted someone present. I was too shocked to speak. Thank you for your message

I'm so sorry you went through this.  It needs reporting xx

There should have been a chaperone, but my female oncologist did measure my tumour, with a solid measuring device rather than a tape measure. She said it was so she could tell whether the chemo was working over and above the scans I would be getting. 

I had a chaperone though! 

Thank you for the info. It seems such an inaccurate way to measure, trying to grasp a fairly large movable tumour in one hand along with the breast skin & attempt to measure it, is that what she did?. Even a solid device would surely still not be precise thi using a tape measure was useless. One of my concerns is that his inaccurate measurement could be used to decide on cancer stage. Best wishes

My oncologist measured my lump with an old fashioned inch tape during my treatment. I didn't think it was strange, as it is an actual physical measuring device, measuring a physical entity i.e. the lump monster.

Comparison of measurements taken this way are a valid measurement of growth or shrinkage, especially if subsequent measurement is by the same person. I have no problem with this at all, with respect to how I was treated. Measurements on a MRI or other imaging device are estimates of size, also. Even although the MRI images are captured by higher tec does not mean that they do not have their own set of limitations on their accuracy.

WallyDug