One Stop Breast Clinic at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital

Women and men can be affected by breast disease, but the important thing is to remember that not all breast abnormalities are due to cancer. However, if you have found something different during your own breast examinations, we urge you to seek medical advice from your GP as quickly as possible. Early diagnosis of breast problems helps to ensure that if cancer is detected the chances of successful treatment are far improved.

Why should I have my treatment at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital?

As early diagnosis is paramount, patients with breast problems will be offered a rapid access appointment to our One Stop Breast Clinics, usually within a week and sometimes within a few days. There is no requirement to be referred by your GP, although we do recommend seeing your GP if you have discovered new symptoms. If you have already seen your GP, or intend to do so prior to attending the One Stop Breast Clinic, you may ask them to e-mail a referral to the hospital.

You will be seen initially by a consultant breast surgeon who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. The consultant breast surgeons are supported by a consultant radiologist and a team of mammographers who will perform any diagnostic tests that are required immediately after your consultation. You will get the results of these initial tests after their completion before you leave the hospital. If any further diagnostic tests are required*, these can also be performed on the day and any samples will be sent to our pathology team for evaluation.

What happens at the initial consultation?

The consultant breast surgeon will review your medical history and examine you. In addition to a physical examination, further tests may be carried out in the imaging department during the same visit to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Initial Diagnostic Tests

Mammogram

This X-ray technique is carried out by specialist mammographers during which X-rays are taken to show the detailed structure of the breast tissue. A mammogram may show abnormalities which may include early cancers of the breast which are not detected by clinical examination. Women under the age of 35 may have an ultrasound scan of the breast rather than a mammogram due to the density of the breast tissue in this age group.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the breast is carried out by a consultant radiologist and is a painless examination of the breast using high frequency sound waves instead of X-rays.

Once the mammogram and ultrasound are completed, the consultant radiologist will review the results and discuss them with you. This will either provide reassurance or suggest the need for further tests, which can be completed either on the day* or through the NHS with a referral to your GP.

Additional Diagnostic Tests*

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)

The initial diagnostic tests may identify a cyst within the breast tissue. The fluid within the cyst can be withdrawn using a needle, which will be guided into position using ultrasound. Once this fluid is withdrawn by the consultant radiologist, usually no other tests are required.

Needle Biopsy

The consultant radiologist may also carry out a needle biopsy which involves passing a needle into the breast to withdraw some cells which will be sent to pathology for processing.

Core Biopsy

A core biopsy is undertaken by the consultant radiologist in the imaging department under ultrasound guidance. Local anaesthetic is given and a small incision is made in the breast so that a small amount of tissue can be removed by a special biopsy needle.

Meet our team

Nicola Gregson-Maidwell – Radiology manager

Allison Blyth – Mammographer

Sally Maughan – Mammographer

Victoria Finn – Mammographer