Breast ultrasound is particularly helpful in younger patients with dense breast tissue and in patients presenting with a lump. If under 40 years of age this may the only breast imaging required. It is performed generally by a breast imaging radiographer.
Mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts and is usually performed on both breasts and on patients over 40 years of age. It can be performed by either a mammographer or an assistant practitioner.
Patient Experience
For an ultrasound patients may get an appointment through the post if their GP has sent them for imaging. The majority of patients are seen at the time they have their clinic appointment.
The test will be carried out whilst lying down. Gel is spread over the breast and a small hand held probe is gently pressed against the skin surface and then moved around so that the breast can be viewed from different angles. It is usually the area of concern that is scanned. The scan only lasts 5 to 10 minutes and has no known risks.
For a x-ray patients may get an appointment through the post if their GP has sent them for imaging or if they have had previous breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer. Other patients are seen at the time they have their clinic appointment.
During the mammogram the breast will be compressed between two perspex plates for a few seconds in order to visualise the breast tissue. This pressure may be uncomfortable however, the test is over quickly with the process only lasting for about 10 minutes. This may be followed by an ultrasound.
After imaging further tests may be required:
Core Biopsy
The procedure uses a needle which is quickly fired into the lump using a
biopsy device (which normally makes a loud clicking noise), removing a piece of tissue from the breast. The breast tissue can then sent away to be looked at under a microscope to see if there are any abnormalities.
After the biopsy, the area will be pressed for a few minutes to help stop any bleeding, and a dressing will be applied. Several samples are usually taken.
The procedure is carried out whilst lying down and will normally take 15-20minutes. A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area so the amount discomfort during the test should be minimal.
Fine Needle Aspiration
Some women may have a procedure called fine needle aspiration instead of a biopsy. This involves removing a sample of cells from inside the breast using a very thin needle, similar to a blood test and the cells sent away to be looked at under a microscope and checked for any abnormalities.
The procedure is usually carried out while you are lying down and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Other Biopsies
A vacuum assisted core biopsy may be necessary. This test involved tissue being sucked through a needle after a local anaesthetic. The procedure is carried out whilst lying down or whilst sitting and it normally takes 45-60 minutes. It reduces the need to have surgery to determine what is going on in the breast.
Results
Patients that have been referred by their GP are asked to contact the GP surgery for their results. If the patient has been sent via clinic the results are given to the patient at the time of the clinic visit or via a letter from the surgical team.
Symptomatic Breast Imaging
Based in Chancellor’s Wing, St James’ University Hospital (SJUH), this is the place where parents are referred to by their GP or for their breast follow up. They’re seen in clinic by surgeons, registrar or nurse practitioner and have clinical examination and referred to breast imaging if suitable.
We work closely with the breast surgery and operate together 8 one-stop clinics a week. This involves a full triple assessment of:
1) A clinical examination
2) Appropriate imaging i.e. +/- mammogram and/ or breast ultrasound examination
After all the imaging and interventional procedures, the radiologist or consultant radiographer will write report at the time of the imaging the report is given to the referring clinician in clinic , the patient is seen by the surgeon / registrar / nurse practitioner and given diagnosis before leaving the department or followed up by a telephone appointment.