Attending the Breast Clinic

If the appointment time is not suitable or you are unable to attend, for any reason, please call the phone number on your appointment letter or contact the patient appointments team on 01324 566249.

• Please wear clothes that are easy to remove, as you may need to undress from the waist up.
• Please don’t wear talcum powder or deodorant as this may affect the quality of any mammogram or ultrasound images
• Your visit may take several hours if more than one test is needed. If you only need a breast examination, your appointment may last around 15 minutes.
• Please only bring one friend or relative with you, as seating in the waiting area is limited.

Investigations that may be carried out include

Breast examination

• A nurse or doctor will carefully check both of your breasts and the area under your arms during the examination.

Mammogram

• A mammogram is an X‑ray of the breasts.
• You will be asked to undress to the waist so your breast can be gently pressed between two plates to help take a clear X-ray image.
• It may feel uncomfortable, but only for a few seconds.

Breast ultrasound

• You will undress to the waist for this test and a small amount of gel will be placed on your breast.
• A probe is moved over the area to create a picture of the inside of your breast.

Core biopsy

• If a larger sample is needed, a core biopsy may be done. You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
• Healthcare staff will explain the procedure and any aftercare arrangements, if required.

Fine needle biopsy/aspiration

• A small needle is used to take a sample from the area of concern.
• This may feel uncomfortable rather than painful.

Note: Medical and nursing students may be present during your consultation and tests however, if you prefer that they do not observe, please tell a member of staff before the consultation begins.

Results

Mammogram and ultrasound results are usually available on the same day. Where this is not possible healthcare staff will discuss how you will receive the results as quickly as possible.

Sometimes further tests are required and, if you need to return for another test, the nurse or doctor will explain the arrangements and how and when you will receive your results.

Breast Prosthesis

The initial appointment will be automatically made post-operatively, no referral is required. Once you have received your first breast prosthesis you can call us and self-refer for replacement or additional appointments.

Prosthesis is replaced every two years unless you have any problems or issues, this could be wear and tear or issues like weight loss/size change.

If you need replacement prosthesis, please phone oncology reception to arrange a prosthesis appointment (Phone 01324 566300 between hours of 8.30am to 4.30pm)