Frustrating Pre-Biopsy Diagnosis Of Arm Lump From Hospital!

[Smowball]

Ok, so I've got this biopsy this afternoon on the lump on my right arm which literally appeared overnight several weeks ago. It is about 2 inches above my elbow and doesn't hurt in the slightest, but it is solid. When they rang me to book this in they said it could be a bursitis. I said that I didn't think that for a second, as bursitis is incredibly painful, inflammed, and is usually directly over the elbow.My lump is NONE of these. The doctor on the phone actually agreed with me. I've just had a letter this morning, re the procedure(bit late!!) and it again suggests this but further states that they this is an OLECRANON BURSITIS, and if the radiographer today also thinks this then he will NOT perform a biopsy! Only if he thinks that it ISNT bursitis will he do the biopsy.

Now I'm not a doctor, but even I can look up this bursitis condition and this lump is absolutely nothing like bursitis. It's not red, not sore, not directly on the elbow, and it's solid!  I'm so frustrated already, before I even get there, because if he says oh yes I'm sure it's bursitis, so I'm not going to do the biopsy....... think I'll scream! 

[barry1010]

Very strange hospital. Radiographers don't usually diagnose anything before the tests, they just carry out the tests that the doctors order.

So is it a digital biopsy you're having, not a surgical one? 

[Rosetta]

Shouldn't the Consultant decide if you need a biopsy or not?

[Smowball]

Barry, it says it's an Ultrasound biopsy - they do the ultrasound and if necessary they carry on to the biopsy. Says I will be having a local anaesthetic as they will be subtracting some tissue. 

[Smowball]

Rosetta - this is why I'm now wondering who is actually doing this biopsy!

[barry1010]

My money is on a ganglion cyst. Will you accept odds of 2/1 with a 50p bet?

[DDIL]

barry - I agree with you

[barry1010]

That makes more sense, ultrasound followed by biopsy if necessary. I was wondering why a radiologist would be taking tissue from your arm.

[DDIL]

Also Smow, you are incredibly lucky to get seen so quickly.

[Smowball]

DDIL , I'm only getting seen so quickly because one doctor mentioned the C word, and asked for an MRI. Then when I'd had that, which I thought would show 100% what it was, they said they still couldn't be sure! I honestly can't see how difficult this can be. 

[Smowball]

And yes I hope you're both right about the cyst! 

[DDIL]

Still even using the C word still very fast as I know from personal experience

[THECORBYLOON]

BARRY, a ganglion is soft and contains fluid.

From the NHS,

"A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that usually develops near a joint or tendon. The cyst can range from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball."

My sister had one on her wrist a good few year ago and it was removed surgically.

She was telt at the time that previous treatment was to dunt it with a heavy family Bible...

[bednobs]

is it radiographer or radiologist on your letter?

i am also going with ganglion

[Smowball]

Hi TCL - this looks just like the size of say, an avocado stone, cut in half and just resting under the skin. As I say, it is solid, cannot move it at all. It actually feels like bone. It's just bizarre the fact that it just simply appeared from nowhere.

[DDIL]

A hard lump on the elbow can be caused by various factors, including:

Excess Fluid: Conditions like olecranon bursitis can lead to fluid accumulation, forming a lump. 

 

1

Bone Damage: Injuries such as fractures or dislocations can result in hard lumps. 

 

1

Medical Conditions: Conditions like arthritis, infections, or psoriasis may also cause lumps. 

 

1

When to Seek Help: If the lump is hard, painful, or growing, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation. 

 

2

If you notice any concerning symptoms, it's best to seek medical advice.

 

 

 

[barry1010]

Ganglions can feel solid and hard, I had one

[Rosetta]

I know googling can be iffy as a diagnostic tool, but I also came up with option of a ganglion. Hitting it with a bible is definitely not recommended, so says Doc Ma😉rtin

[barry1010]

My mother tried to wallop mine with the Bible but I could run faster.   

[barry1010]

".....  some ganglion cysts feel quite hard and can sometimes be mistaken for a bony prominence."

https://www.princetonorthopaedic.com/understanding-ganglion-cysts-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/#:~:

[barry1010]

Anyway, I hope it goes well this afternoon and you get a definitive answer soon, Smow