After you’ve attended your breast screening appointment, you may be invited to an assessment clinic at North Tees. This is not necessarily something to worry about, it may be something in your breast tissue which is perfectly normal for you and your body. But we need to check to make sure.
If your appointment is inconvenient, please contact us on 01642 624264 to rearrange.
You are more than welcome to bring a friend or family member to your assessment appointment for your support.
Please be aware that your appointment may take up to three hours. If you have someone with you they, will be asked to stay in the waiting area for the majority of your appointment. However, they can be with you at the point of results and review, if this is necessary.
Arriving to your appointment
When you arrive, you will meet one of our breast care nurses who will explain the process and what may happen during your appointment. Their role is to offer support and advice throughout your time with us and beyond.
At your appointment, you will have a physical examination and ultrasound scan by one of our consultants and possibly extra imaging. If further tests are necessary, this will happen on the day and may include one or more of the following:
Fine needle aspiration
Some patients may have a fine needle aspiration procedure. This involves removing a sample of cells from inside the breast using a very thin needle – similar to a blood test.
The cells are then sent away to be looked at under a microscope and checked for any abnormalities.
Cyst aspiration
Cysts are fluid filled sacs within the breasts. They are usually benign (non-cancerous) and many patients are unaware they have them. However, they can sometimes grow large enough that you can physically feel them, and they can become tender or painful.
If we find that you have a cyst or collection of cysts at your symptomatic appointment, the radiologist will offer to drain the fluid within the sac. They will insert a very small needle and draw out the liquid. They may recommend you have this done, especially if you have been suffering with pain or discomfort.
Core biopsy
A core biopsy procedure uses a needle, which is inserted into the targeted area of tissue. This is done either under ultrasonic guidance, or with the help of the mammogram machine.
Small amounts of the sample are then removed and sent to the laboratories to be looked at. You will be given some local anaesthetic beforehand, which will sting for a second, but will numb the whole area so you won’t feel anything. It’s advised to take it easy for the rest of the day and not to do anything too strenuous.
Review appointments
You will be discharged at the end of your appointment if there is no further cause of concern. You will be invited as normal in three years by the national breast screening programme for your next routine mammogram. If you have any questions or concerns you can speak to one of our breast care nurses before you leave.
If you have had further tests, your breast care nurse will advise you on when and how you will receive your results. This may be by letter, or a further appointment may be made for you.
Your friend or family member can be with you, during your review appointment.
Rearrange an appointment
Phone
01642 624264