A visit to your Breast Clinic
Your GP has referred you to the local Breast Clinic
What happens next?
Why have I been referred?
You may be referred to the Breast Clinic for one of a number of reasons that
your GP feels specialist advice is required.
The Breast Clinic
The great majority of ladies referred with breast symptoms do not have
breast cancer. The Breast Clinic has been planned so that as many ladies
as possible can be seen within two weeks of being referred and then given a
firm diagnosis at their first attendance.
There may be occasions when this may not be possible, either because of
technical difficulties or, there is a requirement for further tests to be carried
out. In such circumstances we will arrange to see you again within one
week following these tests, to discuss your results.
If you wish, you are very welcome to bring along a partner or friend for moral
support.
What happens at the Breast Clinic?
Please Note:- you may be in the clinic for up to four hours.
Due to the nature and format of the Breast Clinic delays occur, however we
will endeavour to see you as close to your appointment time as possible.
What type of investigations may I need?
Tests, which you may require, include:- Imaging Tests, Pathology Tests
Imaging Tests
The two types of imaging tests, which can be carried out are;
www.cddft.nhs.uk
Breast Care Service
Publication Date: Feb 2010
Revised Date: May 2015
Review Date: May 2017
A visit to your Breast Clinic
Mammography – a low dose x-ray of the breast tissue. Each breast will be
x-rayed from two different angles to enable the Consultant to look at the
inside of your breasts and compare them. You will need to stay still for a
few seconds while the x-rays are taken.
Most women find this
uncomfortable and for some women it is painful for a short time. The
mammography takes place in a small private room within the x-ray
department. This examination is not normally carried out on ladies less than
35 years old. In younger women the breast tissue is denser this makes it
difficult to detect any changes on the mammogram.
NB. Please do not use talcum or spray deodorant (roll-on is OK) prior
to attending the clinic as it can cause shadows on the x-ray films.
Ultrasound – high frequency sound waves are used to build up a picture of
the inside of the breast. (This is similar to an ultrasound examination carried
out on pregnant women). Ultrasound can tell whether a lump is solid (made
of cells) or is a fluid filled cyst. Gel is applied to the skin and a camera like
probe is placed on the surface of the skin to obtain pictures. The procedure
is painless and takes approximately 10 minutes. However you should
expect a further delay in the x-ray department whilst the specialist examines
your xrays and reports on them. You will then return to the Breast Clinic.
NB. Most patients who undergo breast imaging will not require any
further tests.
Pathology Tests
A fine needle aspiration is a quick, simple procedure which can be done in
the outpatient department. A fine needle and syringe is used by the doctor
to take a sample of cells to be looked at under a microscope by the
Pathologist. The breast is sensitive, so the needle aspiration may be
uncomfortable. The breast may be bruised and sore for a few days
afterwards.
A needle (core) biopsy may be done. The doctor uses a needle to take
several small pieces of tissue from the lump or abnormal area. Local
www.cddft.nhs.uk
Breast Care Service
Publication Date: Feb 2010
Revised Date: May 2015
Review Date: May 2017
A visit to your Breast Clinic
anaesthetic is injected into the area first to numb it. During the biopsy you
may feel a little soreness or a sensation of pressure. These tissue samples
are sent to the laboratory to be looked at under a microscope by the
Pathologist. The breast tissue may be quite bruised and sore afterwards.
This can take a couple of weeks to disappear.
Sometimes, especially if the lump is small, both these procedures need to
be carried out in the x-ray department. The doctor uses the mammogram or
ultrasound guidance to make sure the needle takes cells from the abnormal
area of the breast or lymph node.
Final Consultation
When the tests results are available one of the Doctors will discuss them
with you. For the majority of women it is possible to reassure them that they
do not have cancer. For those women who do have a more serious
problem, there is time to talk with the doctor who will explain the next steps
of the investigations or treatment. One of the Breast Care Nurses will also
be available to answer any questions.
A Breast Care Nurse is available in all of our Breast Clinics to offer advice
about all aspects of breast care. If you are not introduced to one of the
Breast Care Nurses and would like to speak with one, then please ask the
Doctor or the Clinic Nurse for an introduction.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Darlington Memorial Hospital
01325 380100
Consultant Surgeons:
Mr N Corner
01325 380100 Ext 43509
Miss M Donlon
01325 380100 Ext 44191
Breast Care Nurses:
Amanda Allan, Sue Bartle, Melanie Jones and
Lynne Smooker
01325 743290 and 01388 455773
www.cddft.nhs.uk
Breast Care Service
Publication Date: Feb 2010
Revised Date: May 2015
Review Date: May 2017