Please help ... My friend is getting a cancer test ... ?

Question

I know this is the wrong section to ask ... but I am really scared about my best friend right now. I posted this question in the Cancer section before, and only got one answer. Please help me. I just found out that she is getting a cancer test .... She has a " lump " on her upper arm by the armpit area. The doctor told her it could be a number of things, but she is getting a cancer test in a few days just to rule it out. What kind of testing will be done ? Could they simply know that it WASN'T cancer from a blood test ? How long does testing take ? They didn't really give her information yet, and I am getting very concerned. I would just like any information possible. Thanks to anyone who can help ... and no cruel responses, please ...

Answer 1

I'm not sure that they can test it by just a blood test. This is only speculation since I am not a doctor or a nurse. I have only heard of blood tests for cancer for ovarian cancer and it is called a PAS, or a CAS (I think, but like I said, I'm not sure), but I've heard with that test there are many false positive results. So the doctors don't like to use those blood tests. If I were guessing, if the doctor has already felt the lump manually with his/her hands, they will probably do a biopsy, I hope.

I found a lump myself with my own hands about a month ago in my right breast. I called my doctor who finally sent me for a mammogram and an ultrasound on March 23rd. They too saw the lump, it is 2 cm in size. They told me to wait 6 months and return for another mammogram.

I quit my GYN doctor because I didn't want to wait. I think that is stupid to wait. To me that will just give this lump time to grow bigger. I then contacted my regular family doctor, told him about it, and requested a referral to be sent to see a Breast Specialist.

He okayed that request and I will now see a Breast Specialist on the 14th of May.

My highest recommendation to you and to your friend is to watch out for her own self and if she isn't happy with whatever this doctor decides he/she does to test for this lump then she should be aware of her own body and to follow her own instinct and if she isn't happy, then change doctors.

Good Luck to her and she is lucky to have you as a friend, who obviously cares about her.

Edit:

In 2003, a Breast Specialist did a biopsy on the same breast of mine with a new procedure, in his office. He inserted a hollow tube and withdrew tissue and had it examined. It didn't take but a day or two to get the results. I have never known anyone with a lump under their armpit but I hope all goes well.

Answer 2

I hope you don't go and delete this question like the one I was just trying to answer between your two friends issue - and don't worry so much about asking long drawn out questions - you should see mine - they make yours look minute by comparison. I'm not answer this particular question - just you generally - sounds to me like you could actually do with break from people altogether - do you like animals? If you do, try getting away from people for a while and mix with nature - the very fact you deleted that other question, tells me you are a person in turmoil at the moment - but you're not stupid - you've been on here less time than I have and are up to level three - I know that doesn't necessarily mean you're bright, but it shows you have an ordered mind if you're not being 'put upon' by other people. I don't know how old you are not that old I'd say from what you're asking, but it sounds like first you need a break and then you need to find a way to be more assertive with people - not to let them bully or try to manipulate you - good luck - and put some contact info up - not everyone on the net is a stalker or something bad - just use your common sense - but first of all, cut yourself off from other people for a while and get some balance back in your life - if you don't I can only see you heading towards a tragedy - you need to gain some perspective and you will only get that from having some peace of mind and there is no better 'peace of mind' giver than being near nature - if that sounds cheesy - try it and see if I'm wrong - I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Answer 3

They might be trying to rule out lymphoma. Usually there all several lymph nodes swollen with 1 that's just bigger than the other ones. Has she had a CRP, ANA, and Sed rates yet? Or jumping straight to the CA series? If the dr wanted to do a blood test for cancer, they could have done that there, the same day. Cat scan, MRI, or mammogram, maybe?

Answer 4

i have had a lump & had a biopsy done .. what they did for me is -- insert a needle into the lump & try to draw out any fluids.
if there is any, but they should be able to draw out enough cells to perform the tests needed to answer whether or not it is benign, meaning cancerous or cancer free .. it took a week i think for me to find out.
It was a few years ago now so forgive that my answer is not more accurate as to how long it takes for the test results to come back.
i think they are not always able to tell just from a blood test, which is why they need to test the lump itself .. try not to worry too much .. i wish I could answer your questions better…
i hope & pray all turns out well .. best wishes & take care

Answer 5

A biopsy allows the doctor to look at the cells in the growth to see if they are abnormal. It takes time, some towns have to send the tests away, and the centers for cancer and research are behind on their work load. Have faith most cancers are benign, and the ones that aren't, well the medical community is working to cure them all. It could also be a cyst don't freak out tell you know, your friend needs you to be positive and strong for her. She is scared enough for both of you.

Answer 6

Every case is different, but most cancer cannot be tested through blood tests. Support your friend with your love and kindness, and very important: get her laughing. Laughter is one of the best healers, really. Phychologists and physicians have studied this, and it's very important. Did you know that the vast majority of all biopsies turn out not to be cancer?
And here's a story I know to be true of a friend of mine. Many people in my friends' family got cancer and died. Then he got it. Liver cancer. When the doctor diagnosed him, he told my friend he had 6 months to live. So my friend decided to take the last few months and live his dreams. He blew off his job, grabbed his bicycle, and biked across country. He made all kinds of friends, had lots of adventures, and now, 16 years later, his cancer stays in check, with no treatment. Along the way, doctors have tried to convince him to get treatment, but he always refused. One day he may have to go for the treatment, but not as long as he can still ride his bike. This is NOT recommended treatment for ANY cancer, but it is true.

Answer 7

I'm sorry to hear that, my father had a lump in his back muscle tissue about 6 weeks ago and went to have it checked, after the biopsy it turned out to be a spindal cell sarcoma. He is going through four rounds of double chemo, and has just done the first round. He sounds horrible on the phone. If the treatment works they give him about 2 years to live, if not about 8 months. He says he is OK with it but it is a big shock to deal with suddenly. I hope your friend will be OK.

Answer 8

They will run tests on her blood for Cancer "Markers" I believe the ones for breast cancer are CA-125 and CA-119. And, yes...if there is a negative cancer marker test, they will know she's got something that is benign. Good luck to you and your friend.

Answer 9

It could just be a cyst, and I really wouldnt worry until she gets more info from the doctor. I have a cyst on my back that they called a non-cancerous tumor.. sometimes people just get these things. If cysts run in her family then that is prob what it is.. Best of luck to your friend, and just be there for her and try to stay calm and be there for her.

Answer 10

Don't despair, there is always hope just around the corner.
It sounds to me that this lump has been found in the early stages and is probably benign. I will send you and your friend some healing thoughts and prayers.
LOL LenP