A Patient's Journey
Patient goes to G.P with a breast lump |
Referred to Breast Clinic
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Patient is sent an invitation to attend the mobile breast screening van.
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A One-Stop Breast Assessment with clinical examination, imaging including mammograms and ultrasound when indicated and core needle biopsy as necessary.
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Mammograms are reviewed by the radiologist in the breast screening unit (BSU). If a possible abnormality is found then the patient is sent a letter asking them to return to the BSU for a triple assessment. Return one week later for results. If cancer is found referral made to Breast Clinic. |
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Rapid return to Breast Clinic for diagnosis
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Proposed treatment choices discussed in detail, and dates for operations offered - or other first treatment.
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Surgery Appropriate surgical intervention as discussed and agreed with every individual patient. |
Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy The aim here is to shrink the tumour and thereby avoid mastectomy. 3-6 months treatment depending on response of tumour. |
Neo-adjuvant endocrine therapy Review usually in 3 months time to see tumour response (shrinkage).Refer for surgery.
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Back to surgeon for surgery.
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After surgery return to Breast Clinic for results. See oncologist and discuss proposed treatment plan.
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Occasionally futher surgery is necessary if clearance is incomplete and tumour is too close to the margins. If sentinal lymph node positive, full axillary node clearance will be reccomended.
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Radiotherapy and/or Chemotherapy
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If futher surgery is needed then admission is arranged for a second operation. Patient then returns for results. |
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yearly mammograms 12 monthly Breast Clinic appointments with mammograms, but with open access for any problems. |
