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When will you be referred to The Breast Unit?

If you've been referred to The Salisbury Breast Unit by your GP or if you've been recalled from routine breast screening, it is understandable to feel anxious or worried. The vast majority of people who are seen at a breast clinic will not have breast cancer; however it is important to attend your appointment for a full assessment.

Your clinic appointment may take a couple of hours so that all the necessary tests can be carried out. You will usually have a breast examination, followed by one or more of the diagnostic tests below (depending on your symptoms).

We currently have 4 one-stop appointment breast clinics per week:

Monday 1.30 - 4.30pm Miss Anna Aertssen

Tuesday 1.30 - 4.30pm Miss Vicky Brown

Thursday 09.00 - 12.00pm Dr Emma Ginns (Under 40's)

Thursday 1.30 - 4.30pm Miss Roanne Fiddes

Diagnostic Tests

Mammograms

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast which shows normal breast tissue and any abnormalities within it. A mammogram involves taking a series of x-rays at various angles; in order for maximum information on the x-ray the breast will be compressed by using specially designed equipment. This can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but any discomfort will last for a short time.

Will I need to have a mammogram?

Most women with breast symptoms who are over the age of 40 and have not had their mammogram within the last 12 months will have a mammogram as part of their overall assessment.

Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound is a different way of looking at the breast tissue. It is used for the assessment of women under the age of 40, and in the majority of older women.

Needle Testing

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) - This test uses a small needle to obtain a sample of breast tissue

Core Needle Biopsy - This test uses a slightly bigger needle and is performed under local anesthetic. The result can take a few weeks to become available, and the results will usually be discussed in a clinic appointment with you.

Each of these tests take place within the Breast Unit.

For Male Patients

The most common reasons why men are referred to the Breast Unit is because of enlargement of the tissue in the breast on one or both sides.

If you come into clinic, it would be helpful if you would think about any relevant information such as;

Past Medical History i.e. previous operations and illnesses

Regular medications which you are taking.

Family History; Please list any close relatives on either side of your family who have has Breast or Ovarian cancer, and their age when this was discovered.

For Female Patients

When you come to clinic you will be seen by a member of the medical team who will undertake an assessment which involves taking a patient history (asking you what you have noticed). You will then be examined to check for any abnormal areas.

It is often the case following on from this, some other test such as a breast X-ray, USS, or needle sample will be performed or arranged.

Once we have all the results available we will discuss the conclusions we have reached with you and discuss the diagnosis and any plans for the treatment with you. You should, therefore, not be concerned if you do not know what the plan is after you first visit to the breast unit; all will become clear.

As noted above, we do not always have the resources available to receive all the results of the tests performed when you visit your clinic appointment. Some tests will also be carried out at a later date and you will receive your results at a later time.

Most women who are seen by us do not have serious breast problems. We will provide you with information at the clinic to help you manage your breast symptoms (please see benign breast problems).

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