Finding a lump, and having to go through the process of diagnosis and waiting for results can be a very frightening time. We can talk you through it:  please call us on 022 266 4014/15

Please be aware that most breast lumps are not cancerous and are caused by cysts or fibroids in the breast, which are very easy to treat. So it is important to see a doctor and get the lump checked, because it may be nothing to worry about.

BOX:  Read about other women’s diagnosis stories  - Link…..

Symptoms

These vary by individual, but generally the first sign that you may have breast cancer is if you feel a lump in your breast.  In many situations this lump is not serious, but if you do feel a lump you should always get it checked out.

Other symptoms include:-

-          swelling or change of shape in the breast

-          a nipple suddenly becoming inverted

-          thickening behind the nipple

-          pocking or dimpling in the breast tissue

-          a swelling or lump under the armpit

The Process of Diagnosis

If you find a lump or notice that something does not feel right with your breasts, there are a number of tests that should be carried out to complete a diagnosis.  You may be given a combination of some or all of them. Remember that the experts who are carrying out your tests are doing this every day.  A breast is routine to them, so there is no need to feel embarrassed or self-conscious.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a completely painless procedure which uses sound waves to create a picture of the breast tissues.  It involves lying on a bed with your top half naked, next to a computer screen. The technician will cover the area with gel and will then use a small devise over the area.  The waves will create a picture which will be visible on the computer screen.

Mammogram

A mammogram is like an xray and takes a picture of the breast tissue.  The procedure involves standing against the xray machine (again naked to the waist) and having your breast squashed between two plates, from which the picture is taken.  It is a short procedure, but it can be slightly uncomfortable or painful for the short time that the xray is being taken.

Fine Needle Aspiration

This procedure involves taking a very fine needle, inserting it into the lump in the breast and extracting cells from the lump, for later analysis to check whether they are cancerous or not.   This procedure can feel uncomfortable and there may  be bruising in the area for a while afterwards.

Core Biopsy

In this procedure, a piece (core) of tissue is removed from inside the lump, for later analysis to check whether the tissue is cancerous or not.  This is more invasive than the needle aspiration and a local anaesthetic is required before the biopsy is taken.  Sometimes the doctor will take many samples from different parts of the lump to try to build up an accurate picture of what is going on. Again, bruising can occur and the area can feel sensitive and sore for a while.

Once your diagnosis is complete and it is confirmed whether you have breast cancer or not, the treatment options can be discussed.