Breast clinic information

You may be invited to attend the breast clinic (also known as the one stop clinic) that is run by a team of health professionals including a consultant surgeon, specialist registrars, radiographers and clinical nurse specialists. Depending on your referral and clinical information you may be seen by one or more of the team on your visit to the breast clinic.

During your visit you may have a breast examination and/or a scan such as a mammogram or an ultrasound in the Breast Imaging Unit, and on some occasions a core biopsy or a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) test will be performed. However, not all patients attending clinic will need all/any tests. The clinic doctor might see you a second time with the results of any imaging or to arrange a follow up visit. Some patients will be reassured by the imaging team and leave directly from there.

If you have any questions, please let the clinic nurse know before you leave.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammography is not usually recommended for women under 40 years old because the breast tissue is too dense for the x-rays to shine through. A specialist radiographer will take the pictures (at least 2 of each breast) and a Specialist Breast Radiologist will look at the pictures and write a report while you are in the clinic.

Will the mammogram hurt?

Most women find mammograms a little uncomfortable, but it is over very quickly. It is important to get the pressure just right, so we get the best possible pictures and look at as much breast tissue as possible.

What is an Ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan (USS) is a painless test. A small hand-held sensor is moved over the breast. A gel is used to lubricate the skin and improve the quality of the pictures. A Specialist Breast Radiologist or Consultant Radiographer will look at the pictures and write a report while you are in the clinic.

Ultrasound Breast Patient Information Leaflet

What is a core biopsy?

Several tiny slithers of tissue are removed from the breast under local anaesthetic. The tissue removed is sent to the Pathology department to be looked at under the microscope to see if there are any abnormalities. The person performing the test will explain what they are doing in more detail.

What is a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Test?

This test involves sucking a few cells from the breast through a thin needle. This test is not always as reliable as the core biopsy and sometimes needs repeating. The person performing the test will explain what they are doing in more detail and why they think it is the best test for you.

How long will I be in the clinic?

Please allow at least three hours for your appointment. You may want to bring a book, magazine, or friend to help pass the time. Please note that not all patients will have all tests so some appointments will be much shorter.

Will I need to come back to clinic?

Most patients are given their results, an explanation of their symptoms by the doctors and discharged from the breast clinic after this visit. However, if you have a core biopsy or needle test you will be offered another appointment, usually within two weeks to come back and discuss the results.

Written information is available in the clinic to support the explanation you receive from the doctor. Please ask if you need the information in another language or accessible format.

The Breast Team, based in the Richardson Clinic A17, consist of:

• Oncoplastic Breast Surgeons: Miss Claire Murphy & Miss Liz Baker
• Advanced Clinical Practitioner: Helen Francis
• Breast Care Nurses: Lorraine Meier, Claire Pipkin, Mandy Swanepoel and Sarah Haston
• Macmillan Care Coordinator: Kathryn Hardwick
• Medical secretaries: Adele Snowden and Sarah Langstaff