Your Visit to the Clinic
We provide outpatient care for the patients referred by their general practitioner (GP) with all types of breast problems.
The staff in the breast clinic understand that it may take courage to attend, especially when you are feeling worried or anxious.
Our aim is that you leave the clinic as reassured as possible. We want your visit to be a friendly and caring experience.
You are welcome to bring a friend, partner or relative with you.
This information cannot answer all your questions but we hope that it will provide a background to the routine of the breast clinic.
What to expect when you arrive
When you arrive you will be asked to sit in the waiting area. There may be a wait as clinic appointments often don't run to time.When you are seen you will have all the time you need.. A nurse will call your name and you will be taken to an examination room.
The doctor or breast care nurse will ask you some questions about your medical details. The doctor will then ask you to remove your top so that he/she can examing you. After the examination the doctor will advise you about any tests that need to be done.
Breast clinic tests or procedures
FNA and Core biopsy can be done while you are in clinic or they may be done at the same time as a Mammogram and Ultrasound Scan. They can cause mild pain during the procedure.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA)
A fine needle is inserted into the breast lump several times and cells are drawn out (aspirated). The cells are sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope.
Core biopsy
The skin is numbed with local anaesthetic and a needle is inserted into you breast and several small pieces of tissue are taken. These are then sent to the laboratory for tests (a biopsy).
Mammograms and Ultrasound scans are carried out at the Breast Screening Unit at Preston Hall. You will be sent an out patient appointment if the doctor wants you to have these procedures. This will not be on the same day as your Breast Clinic Appointment but a few days later.
Mammogram
These are special X-rays of the breast. The radiographer will position you breast on the X-ray plate and apply pressure, usually taking two pictures. This is uncomfortable but not usually very painful.
Ultrasound Scan
This is a test similar to the scan used on pregnant women. A clear jelly is put on to your breast and the scanner is passed over to build up a picture. It is painless and you will be able to watch the screen.
What happens next ?
The doctor might be able to tell you what he or she expects your problem is in the clinic and will want to wait for the results of the tests before giving you your diagnosis. You will be asked to make another appointment at the clinic for the following week so that you can recieve your results of any tests done. A letter will be sent to your GP about your diagnosis or probable diagnosis.
What about further treatment ?
The doctor might advise you to have an operation. You will usually be given a date for the operation by post. You may not require any further treatment and the doctor may not need to see you again.
Where can I get help from ?
If you have any questions or worries the clinic nurses or staff can help you.
Peggy Wood breast Care Centre. Reception Telephone number 01622 225671
Breast Care Nurse Specialists Fiona Andersen and Anna Matthews will be in the clinic when you arrive. You should be given a card with their details on. Please ask a member of staff if you do not get given one.
They can be contacted on direct line 01622 225 743. An answer phone is on all the time so please leave your name and phone number so that they can return your call.
General Information
The Breast Clinic is held in the Peggy Wood Breast Care Centre
Parking is available in the hospital pay and display car park.
Light refreshments are available from the league of friends shop nearby.
Please write down any questions that you think of at home so you can ask the doctor or nurses when you see them.
