The Spire Regency Hospital now offers a one-stop breast clinic designed to help diagnose any changes to a woman's breast. Changes can take place during the menstrual cycle, in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, during the menopause and may also be caused by weight fluctuations.
Follow the Five-Point Breast Awareness Code:
The Spire Regency Hospital in Macclesfield wants to ensure access to a high quality diagnosis and management of breast disease
- Know what is normal for you
- Check both the look and feel of your breasts
- Know what changes to look for and feel
- Report any changes to your GP without delay
- Attend for routine breast screening if you are over 50
Look for:
- Change in the size of your breast
- Changes in the shape of your breasts
- Dimpling of the skin
- Change in the position of the nipple eg newly inverted (turned in) nipple
- Any discharge from the nipple (unless you are breast feeding and it's milky discharge)
- A rash or crusting on the nipple or surrounding area
- Swelling or lump in the breast or armpit
- Veins which stand out more than usual
- Any changes in sensation, especially if in one breast only
- Constant pain in part of the breast or armpit
At Spire Regency Hospital, patients with breast problems will be offered rapid access to a team of breast specialist. You will be seen by a highly skilled consulant surgeon who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease.
Do I need a GP referral?
All women attending the breast clinic must have a referral from their GP.
What happens at the initial consultation?
You will be seen by a specialist breast surgeon and have a clinical examination, further tests may be carried out to obtain an accurate diagnosis. These tests may take up to an hour and can include one or more of the following :
Mammography
This is a technique for taking breast x-rays to show the detailed structure of the breast tissue. It may show early cancers of the breast that are too small to feel.
Ultrasound
This 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 a small incision being made in the breast so that some tissue can be removed and examined.
Needle Biopsy
This involves passing a thin needle in to the breast to withdraw tissue for analysis. In most casses we will be able to make a diagnosis during your first visit, but sometimes a further visit is needed.
What if I need treatment?
Treatment will depend on diagnosis and in most 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
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 which may include a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. For suitable patients who require a mastectomy (removal of a breast), Spire Regency Hospital offers access to immediate breast reconstruction surgery.