One-stop breast clinic in Tunbridge Wells

If you are concerned about any breast symptoms, it is important to see a doctor straight away. Most breast symptoms are not caused by cancer, but it is always best for a doctor to check. There is a good chance of recovery if breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.

To reduce anxiety and waiting times, Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital has set up a One Stop Breast Clinic. Our one-stop breast clinic in Tunbridge Wells offers women fast access to a consultation with our expert breast consultant, as well as any diagnostic scans that may be required ensuring fast results.

What is the One Stop Breast Clinic?

The One Stop Breast Clinic is an outpatient clinic to investigate any breast symptom, such as:

• A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit
• A change in the size, shape or feel of one or both breasts
• A change in the position of the nipple, such as turning inwards
• Breast or nipple pain
• Skin changes in your breast, such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin

It’s easy to check for any changes as you are getting dressed or in the shower. You should feel all parts of your breast and up into your armpit.

If you have a persistent breast lump that feels unusual, don’t wait. Whatever your age, call us and ask to attend our specialist breast clinic. It’s always best to get yourself seen, as it may reassure you and reduce anxiety.

What happens at the One Stop Breast Clinic?

Our experts carry out a detailed assessment in a single visit to the One Stop Breast Clinic. This assessment is made up of three stages:

1. Initial assessment: A specialist breast consultant finds out your full medical history, including any risk factors, and examines you.
2. Imaging tests: You may have a breast ultrasound scan and, if needed, a mammogram (an X-ray of the breast).
3. Further assessment: If we find any abnormal area in your breast, a radiologist can carry out a further assessment. This involves taking a small sample of breast cells or tissue for testing. You may have either:
   • A fine needle aspiration, where a very fine needle is used to remove a sample of cells into a syringe
   • A core biopsy, where a needle is used to take small pieces of tissue from the lump or abnormal area

These tests are not painful. If you have a core biopsy, you are given a local anaesthetic to make the area numb before the test.

A detailed assessment to give you peace of mind

We can quickly perform all tests needed to assess whether your symptoms are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Most people are reassured that their symptoms are benign and leave our clinic with peace of mind. If the tests show any cause for concern, this is usually confirmed within two to five working days. We explain the diagnosis at an appointment and a specialist breast care nurse is there to give you immediate support. After this, we can develop a personalised treatment plan and carry out all tests and treatments onsite.

Appointments

Our One Stop Breast Clinic is open every Monday and Thursday, please allow 2 hours for your appointment.

If you are paying for your own treatment, you can refer yourself to the One Stop Breast Clinic. Private medical insurance companies may ask for a referral from your GP.

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with a specialist, please call 01892 336125 (Monday clinics) or 01892 342811 (Thursday clinics).

Our consultants