Breast Clinic

All the information you need in one visit

All women can be affected by breast disease: the important thing is to remember that not all breast abnormalities are due to cancer. Following a recent audit only one in twenty patients, referred locally* was found to have breast cancer. However, if you have found something different during your own breast examinations we urge you to seek medical advice from your GP as quickly as possible. 

Early diagnosis of breast problems helps to ensure that if cancer is detected the chances of successful treatment are much improved.  For those who are diagnosed, results are available quickly and operations usually take place within a week.  Both of our Consultant Surgeons are highly experienced in breast reconstructive surgery.

Why should I have my treatment at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital?

At Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital we have a number of consultant-led breast clinics per week, including evening appointments.  Patients with breast problems will be offered a rapid access appointment, usually within a week, sometimes within a few days. You need to be referred by your GP who can fax or e-mail your referral to the hospital.

You will be seen by a Consultant Breast Surgeon who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease who is supported by a team of specialists across a range of services from diagnosis through to treatment and psychological support. You will also have access to specialist breast nurses. 

Surveillance of infection is an important and integral part of the infection prevention programme at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital.  Since our surveillance programme commenced todate , # we have had no cases of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood stream infection and no cases of hospital acquired Clostridium difficile to report.

*Correct as at October 2012, locally audited at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital 

What happens at the initial consultation?

The Consultant Breast Surgeon will review your medical history and examine you.  In addition to a clinical examination further tests may be carried out in the imaging department during the same visit  to obtain accurate diagnosis.  These tests may take up to an hour and a half and can include one or more of the following:

Mammogram
This x-ray technique is carried out by specialist radiographers during which x-rays are taken to show detailed structure of the breast tissue. A mammogram may show abnormalities which may include early cancers of the breast which are not detected by clinical examination.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the breast is carried out by a breast specialist Consultant Radiologist and is a painless examination of the breast using high frequency sound waves instead of x-rays (similar to the examination done during pregnancy).

Needle Biopsy (FNA)
The Radiologist may also carry out a needle biopsy which involves passing a needle into the breast to withdraw some cells for the Consultant in our pathology laboratory to examine. The result is almost always available within 3 working days and you will be asked to come back to see your Breast Surgeon to discuss this.

Core Biopsy
A core biopsy is normally undertaken by the Consultant Radiologist in the Imaging department under ultrasound or x-ray guidance.  Local anaesthetic is given and a small incision is made in the breast so that a small amount of tissue can be removed by a special biopsy needle.  The results of this test will take approximately three working days and you will be asked to come back to discuss the results with your Breast Surgeon.

Find out more about our breast service consultants >

For more details or to book an appointment please contact 01926 436 351 or fill in the enquiry form on the right and we'll call you back.