Breast cancer diagnostics

Our one stop breast clinics provide a consultant-delivered service comprised of a consultant breast surgeon, supported by a dedicated on-site team of breast consultant radiologists, radiographers, clinical nurse specialists and healthcare assistants. This multidisciplinary team will support patients during their initial appointment and during any further visits to ensure a smooth transition from investigation to treatment if needed. The team have expert knowledge of local and regional cancer services and can provide practical guidance and emotional support according to individual needs.

All patients have full access to a one stop, triple assessment service, clinical examination, imaging test and biopsy where required. They will see a consultant breast surgeon and undergo mammography and ultrasound as necessary. The results of these tests will be discussed with the patient during the clinic visit. Should a biopsy be required, this will also be taken during the appointment, with the results available to patients five to ten days later.

If no biopsy is performed, the results will be discussed with the patient on the same day – before leaving the clinic.

All mammography is undertaken using our state‑of-the-art digital mammography machines, allowing consultants to view the images immediately. Digital mammography also helps with a fast and accurate diagnosis as it enables our consultants to identify very small calcifications, which can be a sign of early cancerous change.

Digital breast tomosynthesis provides a 3D reconstruction of the breast which increases cancer detection and reduces false-positive findings compared to digital mammography.

Tomosynthesis (or 3D) mammography uses an x-ray tube that moves in an arc and takes low radiation dose projections of the breast from different angles.

These 3D images help to minimise the tissue overlap, which can hide cancers or make it difficult to distinguish normal overlapping breast tissue from tumours.

MRI is used where needed in addition to mammography and breast ultrasound. It has been shown to improve the detection of small breast lesions, particularly in younger women with dense breasts and for women with breast implants. The surgeon and radiologist will advise when when an MRI scan might be helpful.

If a biopsy is taken, the results will be made available at a follow up appointment with the consultant – this will take place within a week of the biopsy. A copy of these results is also shared with the patient’s GP.

All biopsy results are discussed at a Breast Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting, which includes surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and oncologists. Biopsy results are viewed alongside the clinical, mammogram and ultrasound investigations to ensure appropriate action is taken.

If no evidence of breast cancer is found, the results are discussed with the patient in detail, together with any advice or reassurances. If the biopsy does show a cancer, we will discuss with the patient the next steps required to move towards appropriate treatment.

Our Breast Clinical Reference Group support and oversee:

• The introduction of new protocols and clinical trials
• Development of the eMDT platform and our genetic pathways
• The definition and collection of PROMs for all breast cancer patients
• Launching and promoting one stop breast clinics