One stop breast clinic

A woman’s breasts go through many normal changes through her lifetime. These changes can take place during the menstrual cycle, in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, during the menopause and may also be caused by fluctuations in weight. During everyday activities, such as showering, bathing and dressing, get used to how your...

 

During everyday activities, such as showering, bathing and dressing, get used to how your breasts normally look and feel. Being breast aware means noticing if there are any changes that are not normal for you.

Follow the five-point breast awareness code:

 

• 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:

 

• a change in size of your breast
• a changes in the shape of your breasts, eg flattening or swelling
• dimpling of the skin (skin looks like the texture of orange peel)
• a 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 a 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

 

Report anything that looks or feels different to your GP or nurse as soon as possible.

 

 

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 what causes some women to develop breast cancer. You may have a history of breast disease in your family and it is important that you tell your GP about this so that he/she can decide whether you may be at increased risk.

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 breast cancer returns to normal about five years after stopping HRT.

 

 

Early diagnosis of breast problems helps to ensure that if cancer is detected, the chances of successful treatment will be improved.

 

Because you will be seen by a team of doctors and nurses who specialise in the treatment of breast problems who have access to the most up to date equipment.

 

 

At Spire South Bank Hospital, patients with breast problems will be 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 and is supported by a team of specialists across a range of services, from diagnosis through to treatment and Counselling.

 

 

 Mr Stephen Thrush

Consultant General Surgeon

 

Mr Guy Sterne

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

 

Mr Mehboob Ali

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

 

Mr Dalvi Humzah

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

 

Dr Joanna Bowen

Oncologist

 

Dr David Farrugia

Oncologist

 

Tracy Greensmith

Breast Care Nurse

 

Claire McCormick

Breast Care Nurse

 

Dr Stephen Bailey

Radiologist

 

Dr Roger Ward

Radiologist

   

 

All women attending the breast clinic at Spire South Bank Hospital must have a referral from their GP or an NHS breast screening centre.

 

 

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 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 (fine needle aspiration)

This involves passing a thin needle into the breast to withdraw tissue for analysis.

In most cases we will be able to make a diagnosis during your first visit, but sometimes a further visit is needed.

 

 

The management of your condition will vary depending upon the diagnosis. In most cases it will be possible to reassure patients at the 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 South Bank Hospital’s multi-disciplinary team of breast care specialists. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. For suitable patients who require a mastectomy (removal of a breast), Spire South Bank Hospital offers access to immediate breast reconstruction surgery.

The majority of your cancer treatment will be carried out at Spire South Bank Hospital.

 

 

Yes, with your consent, a full report will be sent to your GP.

 

 

If you do not have private medical insurance or if your treatment is not covered, we will advise you of the cost before you attend for your consultation. Examples of fees charged are as follows:

 

Initial consultation with a specialist – from £150

Mammogram – price available on request - 01905 362223

Ultrasound – breast - price available on request - 01905 362223

*Prices are correct at publication and are subject to change.

 

 

To make payment easier and more convenient for you, we offer a flexible range of options. If you are not claiming on your insurance, you can pay by cheque, credit or debit card, or cash. Your out-patient charges will need to be settled on the day of your appointment.

 

 

Breast surgery or investigations are usually covered by private medical insurance. So, if you’re insured, either with SPIRE or another major medical insurance company, contact your insurer to ask whether you’re covered for the treatment or tests you need, and please bring your insurance documents, or any pre-authorisation numbers to your first out-patient appointment.

 

Return to Spire South Bank home page

 

Link to Mr Stephen Thrush profile

 

Link to Mr Guy Sterne profile