Diagnosis, investigations and tests

 

The vast majority of patients who are invited to the breast clinic will not have cancer. However, your visit may take several hours to allow for all the necessary tests to be carried out.

During your appointment you will be examined by a breast specialist. The hospital employs both male and female doctors. If you would prefer to be seen by a female, please let one of the nurses know. If possible, they will try and accommodate your request. It is also possible to request to be accompanied by a chaperone during your examination.

The following are the tests that are available at the One Stop Breast Clinic. You may require one or all of these tests:

 

Mammogram – This is also known as an x-ray of the breast and takes around 30 minutes to complete. The results of your mammogram will determine if you require an ultrasound or biopsy.

 

Ultrasound – This uses sound waves to build up a picture of the breast tissue. You will also have an ultrasound scan of the lymph nodes in the armpit. This will take around 30 minutes.

Find out more about breast mammography and ultasound.

 

Biopsy – The doctor will remove a small piece of tissue or cells from the lump or abnormal area. The sample is then checked for cancer cells under a microscope in our laboratory.

 

Where is the One Stop Breast Clinic held?

This clinic is run in Castle Outpatients on Level H of the main hospital.

 

The specialist doctor may be able to tell you the results of your mammogram or ultrasound during your appointment. Please note, all mammograms are double read by a second radiologist. In the unlikely event that there is a discrepancy, you may be invited to return for additional tests.

If you need a biopsy, they will also advise when the results will be available and will arrange an appointment to discuss these results.