Why should I have breast diagnosis or treatment at Spire Leeds Hospital?
At Spire Leeds Hospital, patients with breast problems are offered rapid access to a team of breast care specialists. You will be seen by a highly skilled consultant surgeon who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. A specialist breast care nurse will be available to you at any stage of your first visit. You will be seen by members of the team who specialise across a range of services, from diagnosis through to treatment and psychological support.
You will be seen by a highly skilled consultant surgeon who specialises in breast disease
Who does breast cancer affect?
All women can be affected by breast disease. The important thing to remember is that not all breast disease is cancer. You should regularly check your breasts so that you can quickly detect changes and seek advice. This applies to women of all ages.
No-one knows exactly why some women develop breast cancer. We are often asked about the risks of taking HRT and whether this increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer. If HRT is started before and up to the age of 50, then there is usually very little increased risk. If you take it beyond the age of 50 then the risk may increase slightly but may still be outweighed by the benefits of taking HRT. The risk of developing breast cancer returns to normal about five years after stopping HRT.
If breast problems are left untreated what will happen?
Early diagnosis of breast problems helps to ensure that if cancer is detected, the chances of successful treatment will be greatly improved.
Do I need a GP referral?
You usually require a GP referral, but not always.
What happens at the initial consultation?
You will be seen by a specialist breast surgeon who will review your medical history and examine you in the presence of a nurse. In addition to a clinical examination, further tests may be carried out to help obtain an accurate diagnosis. These tests may take up to an hour and can include one or more of the following:
- Mammography
Mammography is a type of scanning that uses low dose x-rays to examine the breast. It is used to help identify breast cancer in its early stages as it can find cancers that are too small to feel.
- Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a painless examination of the breast using sound waves instead of x-rays.
- Core Biopsy
This procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic and involves the removal of some tissue from the breast for examination.
- Needle Biopsy (fine needle aspiration)
This involves passing a thin needle into the breast to withdraw some breast cells for analysis.
In most cases we will be able to make a diagnosis during (or following) your first visit, but sometimes a further visit is requiired .
What if I need treatment?
The management of your condition will vary depending upon the diagnosis. In many cases it will be possible to reassure patients at their first visit. If a cyst is present, it is usually possible to take out the fluid with a syringe and needle, with excellent results. If a benign (non-cancerous) lump is found, it can be removed under a general anaesthetic.
If tests confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer, your consultant will discuss treatment options with Spire Leeds Hospital’s breast multi-disciplinary team. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. For patients who require a mastectomy (removal of a breast), Spire Leeds Hospital offers access to immediate breast reconstruction surgery if appropriate.
The majority of your cancer treatment can be carried out at Spire Leeds Hospital. All patients with a breast cancer diagnosis will be supported by our consultant breast care nurse at every stage of their treatment.
Will you send a report to my GP?
Yes, with your consent, a full report will be sent to your GP.