Our Treatments

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of the tissues inside the breast. A breast ultrasound can show all areas of the breast, including the area closest to the chest wall, which is hard to study with a mammogram. Breast ultrasound does not use X-rays or other types of radiation. A breast ultrasound is used to see whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or if it is a solid lump. An ultrasound does not replace the need for a mammogram; however, it is often used to check a problem seen on a mammogram.

Mammogram

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray to examine breasts. Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge. A breast x-ray is usually performed on both breasts so that a comparison can be made. The mammogram machine gently compresses your breast before the x-ray is taken. Each breast is x-rayed from two directions, making four x-rays in all. Mammograms are not usually carried out on women under 35.

Further mammogram films

If an abnormality is diagnosed on the original mammogram films, then the radiologist may request repeat films.  These may simply be similar to the initial investigation, but may also include ‘spot’ films or magnification films. Ultrasound imaging of the breast may then also be requested to complete their report.

Breast Biopsy or Localisation

If an abnormality is positively identified by a set of mammography films or ultrasound, it is possible to perform further tests within the imaging department.  This may involve ultrasound, or additional mammograms to guide the accurate placement of biopsy or localisation needles.

For either of these procedures, the skin of the breast will be cleaned by the radiologist, local anaesthetic given and a sterile needle inserted into the breast tissue under imaging guidance. This needle will take a sample of tissue which can then be sent for analysis

Fine needle aspirate cytology

This is a diagnostic procedure in which a very thin needle is used to investigate lumps and masses in the breast tissue. This is usually carried out under ultrasound control to improve accuracy. The needle is used to extract breast cells which are then sent for pathology and examined under a microscope. 

The doctor or nurse in clinic will be able to tell you when your results will be ready. You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Once this wears off you will probably find that your breast aches and it may also be bruised. You may need to take painkillers if the area is tender or painful.

Core Needle Biospy

This is a diagnostic procedure used to investigate lumps and masses in the breast tissue. This is usually carried out under ultrasound control to improve accuracy and a local anaesthetic to ensure that most women do not feel anything at all. The needle is used to extract small breast tissue samples which are then sent to the pathology lab and examined under a microscope.

The procedure is about as painful as having a blood test and there can occasionally be bruising and soreness. The doctor or nurse in clinic will be able to tell you when your results will be ready. You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Once this wears off you will probably find that your breast aches and it may also be bruised. You may need to take painkillers if the area is tender or painful. 

Excision of a benign (non-cancerous) lump

It is often that a breast lump is found to be benign. However the patient or her specialist may decide that it is best to be removed. This is a small procedure which can be done under local or general anaesthesia. The lump removed is sent for histological examination as a matter of routine.