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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;
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 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
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