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Referral to a Breast Clinic

Referral to a breast clinic may leave you feeling anxious - particularly if you have to wait a while for your appointment.

Your appointment
Your GP will usually refer you to a clinic if you have a definite lump, a change in your nipple or breast pain that is severe and persistent.

You can expect to wait between two and 10 weeks for your appointment to come through, depending upon where you live.

If you have been referred as a matter of urgency you will be seen within two weeks.

You may also be referred to the breast clinic if a problem has been picked up on a routine mammogram. In this case you can expect to receive a letter asking you to attend your local breast clinic for further tests.

History
A doctor or specialist nurse will see you first. They will take a history of your symptoms and you may be asked to fill in a short questionnaire including questions about any family history of breast problems and any medication you are taking.

The doctor or nurse will check both your breasts while you are sitting and when you are lying down. The lymph glands in your armpits (axilla) will also be examined.

Triple assessment
This examination forms the first part of what is known as a 'triple assessment'. Many people attending the breast clinic will be offered this triple assessment. However, not all the tests which form the triple assessment are appropriate for everyone. Your doctor and/or nurse will be able to talk with you in detail about which tests you are being offered and why.

The triple assessment will involve:
Benign conditions:

  • Fibroadenoma
  • Breast cysts
  • Duct ectasia and periductal mastitis
  • Intraductil papilloma
  • Hyperplasia
  • Phyllodes tumour
  • Sclerosing adenosis
  • Fat necrosis
  • Breast calcifications
  • Gynaecomastia
  • Mondor’s Disease
Non-invasive cancer

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early form of breast cancer, sometimes described as a pre-cancerous, intraductal or non-invasive cancer.
This means that the cancer cells are inside the milk ducts or 'in situ' and have not developed the ability to spread through the breast or outside it.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) – Breasts are made up of ducts and lobules which are supported by fat and connective tissue. Milk is made and stored within the lobules and carried through to the nipple via the ducts during breast feeding. LCIS means that there are cell changes within the lobules at the end of the ducts.

Phyllodes tumour Phyllodes tumours are a rare type of breast lump that can affect a woman at any time in her life, although most commonly found in pre-menopausal women between the ages of 40 and 50.

Phyllodes tumours are classified into three groups: 
Invasive cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is so called because the overlying skin of the breast has a reddened appearance – similar to that seen with some infections of the breast.

Paget’s disease of the breast is an uncommon form of breast cancer that first shows as changes to the nipple.

Invasive lobular breast cancer - Breast tissue is made up of ducts and lobules where milk is made, stored and carried through to the nipple during breastfeeding

Secondary breast cancer
This is when cancer cells break away from the breast and travel through the blood or lymph system to settle in other parts of the body.

DOWNLOAD PDF FROM BREAST CANCER CARE

Living with breast cancer
Try to face the future with optimism and joy in your heart. Rejoice in life and take time to look at our beautiful planet, enjoy your family and friends. Take advice and seek support from the many cancer units, professionals and charities out there. Further information from Breast Cancer Care.

Further advice can be obtained from Breast Cancer Care go to their website which includes downloadable PDF's  Contact: Breast Cancer Care – Tel 0808 800 6000 or Email: info@breastcancercare.org.uk

PLEASE NOTE: This article is for information only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care and we would always advise you to check with your doctor if you have any concerns about your condition or treatment.
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