Breast surgery in Bromley

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Although predominantly affecting women, it can also, in rare cases, affect men.

Receiving a diagnosis of any type of cancer is often an unwelcome shock, but breast cancer can often be successfully treated when found at an early stage.

At The Sloane Hospital in Beckenham, Kent, leading Consultant Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgeons provide comprehensive assessment and diagnosis, and fast progression to treatment where needed.

Breast cancer is often treated with surgery (known as Simple or Oncoplastic breast surgery). This type of surgery may cause changes in the shape or size of the breasts, and Reconstructive breast surgery may then be carried out to improve their appearance.

Whether you need surgery because of a breast cancer diagnosis or following breast cancer treatment, our experienced team are here to help you at every step of the way.

It is simple to book a private appointment with us at The Sloane Hospital. Why not get in touch with us today to arrange a convenient time for your visit?  

Many people are aware of cosmetic breast surgery, carried out to improve or enhance the appearance of the breasts. As it relates to breast cancer, breast surgery may be carried out to:

• CONSERVE the breast
• REMOVE breast tissue affected by cancer 
• RECONSTRUCT the breast following treatment

Surgery to CONSERVE the breast includes:

• Lumpectomy – removal of abnormal tissue from the breast.
• Excision – the surgical removal of any cancerous cells in the breast, along with an area of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure no traces of the cancer remain in the body.
• Oncoplastic surgery – when there has been a more extensive spread of cancerous cells, a large amount of breast tissue may need to be removed. In this situation, oncoplastic surgery can be carried out to reshape and remodel the remaining breast tissue.

Mastectomy surgery to REMOVE breast tissues:

• A skin-sparing mastectomy involves removing all breast tissue, while keeping as much skin as possible. This will often be followed by breast reconstruction surgery (see section below) if the patient chooses. 

Axillary surgery to REMOVE the lymph nodes to stage the axilla includes:

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy 
• Axillary node clearance 

Surgery to RECONSTRUCT the breast includes:

• Reconstruction with implant – a silicone implant is placed under the skin, possible with a matrix (mesh)
• Nipple reconstruction
• Fat transfer – Fat taken from another part of the body (the trunk or thighs) can be used to increase the volume of the breast 

Risk Reducing Breast Surgery may be considered if you are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Your Consultant will discuss this with you if appropriate.

With any breast surgery, care is taken to ensure the scars are hidden or minimally visible. Surgery is based on tumour biology and your body configuration to ensure an excellent result.

While some types of breast surgery can be carried out on-site at The Sloane Hospital, we will arrange more complex surgery to be carried out another site, to ensure you always receive the best possible care. Your Consultant will carry out the surgery, regardless of where it is done.  

Our Consultants are experts in breast problems, providing a streamlined service to help you get the clarity you need without delay.

When you first meet with your Consultant, they will discuss your symptoms and any concerns you may have. An examination of your breast will normally be carried out, and our Breast Care Nurse will be with you for this.

We may need to arrange further investigations, including: 

• Blood test 
• A mammogram (X-ray of the breast) 
• An ultrasound scan 
• A biopsy of breast tissue (including core needle biopsy, excision biopsy and fine-needle aspiration biopsy) 

Some of these can be carried out on-site, while others will be arranged for you at another site.

If these investigations show anything that needs treatment (or additional investigation), your Consultant will talk this through with you in detail so that have all the information needed to make an informed choice.

We know that having to consider the possibility of breast cancer can be a real worry. However you are feeling, and whatever concerns you may have, please know that our team is here for you. If you would appreciate somebody to talk to, please just ask. We are here for you. 

Due to our location, many of our patients are from Beckenham and other parts of Kent. Excellent rail access from Central London also makes it very easy for people in London to travel to us for help. We also see people from as far afield as the south coast, who are frustrated by delays in being seeing elsewhere and prefer to visit us for rapid help. 

We treat people with private medical insurance and self-pay patients.

When you choose The Sloane Hospital, you will benefit from: 

Fast access to a breast cancer specialist – If you are worried about any symptoms in or around your breasts, such as lumps or pain, you will understandably want to get expert help as soon as possible. We can arrange an appointment for you with a highly experienced Consultant without delay. Earlier assessment means they will be able to diagnose or exclude breast cancer sooner. 

‘One-stop’ breast clinic – Our streamlined breast clinics provide you with fast, easy access to assessment, diagnosis, support, and any treatment you may require. The streamlined nature of our service avoids the need for multiple visits for different investigations on different days.

Remote consultations available – Consultations are normally carried out in person at The Sloane Hospital, but we can offer remote consultations via telephone or online video call if required (and where clinically appropriate). 

Dedicated Breast Care Nurses – Experienced nurses are available to support you through any investigations and treatment you may need. They can make sure you receive the help and support you need.  

Personalised care – Whether you are having breast surgery for cancer treatment or post-treatment reconstruction, it will be tailored to your specific needs. Your Consultant will work closely with you and keep you informed of results and progress at each step. 

An experienced team – Our Consultants work extremely closely with specialists in other fields, like Oncology and Radiology. Easy access to any member of this wider team ensures you will always see the most appropriate person for your needs at every stage.

Location – The hospital is in Beckenham, Kent and is conveniently accessible by both road and rail. Our car park is free for patients. Our outpatient’s area has recently been refurbished and provides a warm welcome.

If you have any concerns at all about your breasts, whether a pre-existing condition or new symptoms, good help is available FAST. It is very easy to book a private appointment at a time convenient to you.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to The Sloane Hospital and helping you to get the support you need without delay.