Breast Screening Services – Second Stage Screening

Please read carefully as this will answer many of your queries.

Breast Screening / Mammography

Breast screening (mammography) is an x-ray examination of the breast, which can show breast cancers at an early stage, when they are too small for you or your doctor to see or feel.

Why have I been called back?

Some women (about 1 in every 20 that are screened) are called back because the appearance of the x-ray suggests that more tests are needed. Do not be surprised if we call you back and then tests show that there is nothing to worry about.

Where is the Leeds Wakefield Breast Screening Service?

The building is immediate left as you enter the Main Entrance of the Hospital.

A pay-and-display car park is available to the right of the Hospital’s Main Entrance.

Remember

Most women who are called back will not have any problems.

What can I expect to happen during my visit?

On arrival you will be greeted by our reception staff who will show you where to wait. For your privacy a separate waiting area is provided whilst the tests are being carried out.

You will be asked to undress to the waist so it is a good idea to wear a separate top, which can easily be removed.

Usually you will first see one of our team of radiographers who will take further x-rays.

You will then see the doctor (radiologist) who will interpret your x-rays, examine your breasts, and, if required will also do an ultrasound examination. The doctor will discuss the tests and results with you.

A breast care nurse is available to support you throughout your visit or answer any questions you may have. Do not hesitate to ask her, or any of our staff, about any of your concerns.

If you would like to bring a relative or friend with you, please feel free to do so. Please allow 2 – 3 hours for your visit. This is because we not only carry out the necessary x-rays but also assess and discuss your results.

What tests will be done?

Each woman is different so it is not possible to say which test you will have, but all tests and results will be fully explained to you.

Further mammograms

The majority of women will have more x-rays taken from a different angle or one part of the breast only. These x-rays will help the radiologist to decide if more tests are needed.

Ultrasound Examination

Most women will go on to have an ultrasound examination. If you need this test it gives the radiologist another picture of the inside of your breast. This examination is similar to the one pregnant women have to check their unborn child and simply involves moving a small soft probe over the surface of your breast.

Clinical Examination

This means having a close and careful look at the breasts in a good light and feeling for any changes.

Once you have been assessed by a breast consultant radiologist, your breast images will be reviewed by a second consultant as part of our practice. If they agree that no further investigations are needed, you will receive a letter in the post within the next two weeks and will be invited for your next routine breast screening mammogram in three years time, if you are in the age range of 50 years – 70 years. If further investigations are advised, you will be contacted by a breast care nurse within one week who will be able to discuss this further with you.

Other tests

When further tests are needed they will be explained to you during your visit. Sometimes a biopsy may be advised. This is when a sample of cells or a small sample of tissue is taken and sent for analysis. The result of these would not be available on the same day. We will be more than happy for you to include a relative or friend when discussing your results

Before you leave, please ask any questions you have about the results of your tests so that you have a clear understanding of what has happened in your visit. However, you can always ring us later if you think of other questions.

Remember

Most women who are called back will not have any problems.

Contact information

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