At your initial consultation, the breast surgeon will first understand your symptoms and learn about your family history before performing a thorough physical assessment.
This information will allow them to develop an accurate risk profile for your circumstances and request the most appropriate diagnostic tests to identify your condition.
At Ross Hall Hospital, our patients have access to a hugely comprehensive service for private breast surgery diagnostics.
Here are some scans and tests that your consultant may recommend:
- Mammogram - This specialised breast cancer screening test uses low-energy X-rays to check the breast for signs of cancer. Mammography aims to detect breast cancer as early as possible.
- Breast ultrasound - An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce a detailed image of the affected area, enabling increased diagnostic certainty if a mammogram has not been sufficient.
- Biopsy - A small sample of cells is taken from the breast and is tested for cancer.
Breast surgery consultants work in unison with breast care nurses, mammographers, and consultant radiologists to deliver a seamless and stress-free experience.
Once the test results are ready, your consultant will talk you through them and confirm your diagnosis. If your condition is benign, you might be discharged immediately or referred back to your GP for further evaluation.
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your consultant will clearly explain what this means, answer any questions you have and provide full detail of the possible next steps.
You will spend some time with the breast care nurse specialist, who will talk you through all available support options and provide you with information about what happens next.
All breast cancer patient cases are individually discussed and reviewed weekly by an experienced multidisciplinary team, including the Surgeon, Radiologist, Oncologist, and Pathologist.
This meeting will result in a tailored treatment plan for each patient, which will be discussed with you at a follow-up appointment to plan the following stages of your care.