The Breast Clinic
Consultation
For new patients, we generally run a “One Stop” service. This means you will have your initial consultation with a Consultant Surgeon, followed by imaging, which is usually a mammogram (if you are over the age of 40, and haven’t had one within the last year), and an ultrasound scan. You will then have a further consultation to discuss these results and arrange any further follow-up action that may be required. Some patients require a needle biopsy to get a diagnosis, which is usually done at the same time as your initial imaging, but this can take a week for results to be ready. Many patients only require one appointment, but we will always give a full explanation of all the results available in clinic and the reasons behind any follow up that may be required.
For returning patients we will advise on the type of consultations required prior to confirming an appointment.
What to expect in the clinic
When you are seen in clinic your Consultant will be ask about your symptoms and a breast examination, including an examination under your arms and around the base of your neck, will be undertaken. A chaperone will be available to make you feel more comfortable during the examination. You may have a diagnosis and a management plan at your first appointment. However, if further information is required, a second appointment may be needed for the results, for example needle biopsy results.
If you require a biopsy
If you have a biopsy, these results will be discussed at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust (UHS) Breast Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting where the team members review the results and recommend further investigations or a treatment plan. If no further treatment is required, you will be discharged back to the care of your GP.
You can read more about the Multidisciplinary Team here:
If treatment is required
If treatment is required, your Consultant will discuss this in detail with you. A Breast Care Nurse will be available for additional information and support if you are diagnosed with a breast cancer.
Additional treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or hormone therapy. Ongoing surveillance imaging & clinic follow up will also be discussed with you.
If surgery is recommended
You will have a pre-assessment appointment prior to the procedure. Some patients are advised to have chemotherapy (neo-adjuvant chemotherapy) before surgery. Surgical results are discussed at the UHS Breast MDT Meeting where further treatment is recommended if required. A Clinic appointment for the results from surgery will be approximately 1-2 weeks after your operation. Wound healing checked & pathology results are discussed at this time.