FAQs
- I have been referred to the One-stop clinic by my GP - does this mean I have a serious problem?
Your GP has referred you to the clinic so that a specialist can further investigate your breast concern.
Any different or unusual change in the breast should always be investigated, because even though most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), they still need to be checked carefully to rule out the possibility of cancer. Also, if there is a problem, the earlier the treatment is given, the more likely it is to be successful.
- How quickly can I be seen?
The One-stop clinic is held every Tuesday and Friday morning. However, same day appointments are often possible and Mr Beechey-Newman also runs a similar one stop clinic at the London Bridge Hospital on a Monday evening and on Wednesday (alternate weeks) and Thursday afternoons.
- I have a breast lump, what are the chances of it being cancer?
Only one out of every fifteen breast lumps turns out to be cancerous. Most women with a lump have the appropriate tests and can be reassured that the lump is nothing to worry about. Nonetheless if you do have a lump it is always sensible to have it checked in the clinic. Common causes of benign breast lumps are cysts (fluid spaces in the breast) or fibroadenomas (solid tumours made up of fibrous tissue). At The Harley Street Breast Clinic all the tests can be done at your first visit and the final results and diagnosis will be explained to you before you leave.
- If I have to have a biopsy, does this hurt?
Some patients do find this test uncomfortable or a little painful but most women fell no pain at all. An FNAC uses a needle that is the same size as a blood test needle and so this test is about as painful as a blood test. The core needle biopsy uses a larger needle than the FNAC so we use plenty of local anaesthetic to completely numb the area before the procedure. Most women undergoing a core needle biopsy feel nothing at all though the area is usually a little sore a few hours later when the anaesthetic has worn off.
- When will I get any test results?
The One-Stop Clinic results are available during your appointment and they will be explained to you. One of the types of needle biopsy – core biopsy, normally takes 2-3 days for analysis. This is because a core needle takes a small sample of solid breast tissue which has to be extensively processed and then cut into very thin sections before it can be looked at by the Pathologist. At The Harley Street Breast Clinic we try to get around this problem by taking individual cells from the surface of the core of tissue (touch imprint). The individual cells can be processed within 30-40 minutes and we are therefore able to give you a provisional result at your initial clinic visit. This is approximately 92% accurate but we would always want you to come back to the clinic 2-3 days later for the final result.
- What will you tell my GP?
A letter setting out your breast problem and the results of your consultation will normally be sent to your GP within a week or two of your appointment. This will include the results of any tests. Any tests showing evidence of breast cancer will be fast tracked to your GP within 24 hours. You are welcome to have a copy of the clinic summary letter sent to you as well. Equally if you do not want a letter sent to your GP please inform us as there is certainly no obligation for us to inform anyone except yourself.
- What happens after visiting the One-Stop Clinic?
Most breast problems can be dealt with completely at the One-Stop clinic, no further appointments or tests are required. The final results from a core needle biopsy however take 2-3 days to come through and it will be necessary to come the clinic on a second occasion to discuss these results. Some breast problems require surgery and investigations or treatment. Operations can usually be scheduled within 7-10 days of your visit to clinic and will be carried out as either an inpatient or in the day surgery unit at either London Bridge Hospital or the Lister Hospital.