Breast Assessment Clinic
Patient Information
Breast Department
Incorporating hospital and community health services, teaching and research
What is one stop clinic?
You have been referred to the Breast Clinic at the Homerton
University Hospital. The purpose of the clinic is to provide an
assessment for patients with any breast problems. A request to
attend this clinic does not mean that you have cancer. Patients
come to the clinic for a number of reasons, the most common of
which is a breast lump. It is important to attend this clinic so that
the relevant checks can be carried out.
You may be at the clinic for up to four hours. This may feel like a
long time, but it means that all necessary tests are carried out at
your first appointment. You should be able to get the results on
the same day, however in some cases you may have to return
within a week to the breast clinic to get the results.
Sometimes coming to the clinic can be difficult and worrying. You
can bring a friend or relative for support. If you choose to see a
female doctor, please do make your requests known to your GP
and when you come for your appointment let the clinic nurses
know as well.
Occasionally, the breast clinic team may not all be female
however they are all experienced in dealing with breast
problems. They will ensure your privacy and dignity.
It is important to remember that not all lumps / abnormalities are
cancer. Most lumps are benign. If you have any questions or
are concerned speak to a member of the breast team.
The purpose of a breast assessment clinic is to ensure that
patients attending are given access to three important diagnostic
assessments.
What is triple assessment?
The triple assessment test includes:
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1. Clinical Examination
Clinical examination means the doctor taking a history of your
symptoms and general health as well as examining your breasts.
Depending on the clinical examination you may also require:
2. Mammogram and/or ultrasound
A Mammogram is a breast x-ray. It shows breast soft tissue in
detail. The breast is held firmly between two x-ray plates. Some
women may find this test uncomfortable, but this test only lasts
for a couple of minutes. Compression of the breast is very
important as it allows us to better visualize the breast tissue, and
it also minimizes the amount of radiation needed to obtain the
image.
and/or
3. Ultra sound
An Ultrasound is a simple and painless test which is similar to
the test used to show the baby in a pregnant woman.
Gel is spread over the breast and a special probe is moved
across the skin and pictures of the breast are formed on a
television screen which is read by the radiology specialist.
Ultrasound scanner
Healthcare.philips.com
4. A Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
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A Fine Needle Aspiration means taking a sample of cells from
the lump on your breast by using a very fine needle. This is a
quick and simple test; similar to a blood test (the needle used is
smaller). Some people may find this a bit painful but the stinging
will wear off quickly.
The sample of these cells is then sent to the laboratory for
examination under a microscope.
Diagram showing Fine Needle Aspiration
mediconweb.com
As well as triple assessment some patients may also need a
biopsy.
5. Biopsy
A Biopsy is a process of taking a thicker sample of your breast
tissue. A special biopsy needle is guided to the correct location
using an ultrasound imaging.
Local anaesthetic is used before inserting this needle. When the
biopsy is taken there is a loud clicking sound, do not be startled
by this. The breast tissue is then examined under a microscope
to check for any abnormalities. Result of this test will be available
within five working days, at your next visit to the clinic.
Research
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We pride ourselves at Homerton University Hospital that we are
at the forefront of knowledge about breast diseases. This means
we often ask patients if they would consent to taking part in a
research study. This is never compulsory and whether or not
you agree will make no difference to the treatment you receive
here. Any such request will be discussed with you in detail and
you will be given written information before you need to make up
your mind.
Useful contact numbers at the Homerton Hospital
Breast Care Nurse Specialist
Tel: 020 8510 7023
Or Tel: 020 8510 5555
Bleep 323 or 237
Secretary to the Consultants
Tel: 020 8510 7930
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager Tel: 020
85105191
Urgent Referral Office (only for new appointments)
Tel: 020 8510 5099 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm)
If for any reason you are unable to attend this appointment or
need to change your appointment time, even at short notice,
please inform us by telephoning the hospital Central Bookings on
8510 5544. This is very important because we can then give this
appointment to someone else.
Other formats
If you require this leaflet in any other format please speak to your
clinical nurse specialist (Keyworker)
Reference
The following team members have been consulted and agreed
this patient information: Consultant, Clinical Nurse Specialist,
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager and Patient.
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Comments, compliments or complaints
We welcome any suggestions you have about the quality of our
care and services.
Health and Cancer Information Centre is based at the main
entrance of the Homerton Hospital. It provides information, support
and advice to all patients, family members and carers.
Email: healthshop@homerton.nhs.uk
Patient Advice and Liaison Team (PALS)
PALS can provide information and support to patients and carers
and will listen to your concerns, suggestions or queries.
Contact us on 02085107315
Email: pals@homerton.nhs.uk
Related website information:
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/type/breast-cancer/diagnosis
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/
http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/homepage.aspx
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx
Produced by: Breast Team
Reviewed: April 2014
Next date: April 2016
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Homerton Row, London, E9 6SR
Tel: 020 8510 5555
Website: www.homerton.nhs.uk
Enq: enquiries@homerton.nhs.uk
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