Second stage screening

Around one in every 20 women who attend for breast screening will be asked to come back for a second visit. This appointment is for more detailed tests. Most women who are called back will not have any problems and these further tests will enable us to confirm a normal result.

Your second assessment will take place at the Breast Screening Assessment Unit at Seacroft Hospital.

You may bring a partner, relative or friend with you during your visit to the Assessment Clinic. Please note that we cannot care for children under 16 who would be left unattended whilst you have your further assessment.

Please allow up to four hours for your visit.

What will happen during your second stage screening?

You will first see a mammographer who is a female member of staff and they will take any further mammograms that the Consultant Radiologist has requested. These may be a slightly different position or angle to what you had done at your screening mammogram, or they take use digital breast tomosynthesis which can create a three-dimensional image of the breast.

You will also see a Consultant Radiologist who will perform a clinical breast examination and perform an ultrasound scan of the area that is being investigated.

Some women will need a further test to take a tissue sample from the breast. This is called a biopsy. If this is needed, the test can be carried out whilst you are in the clinic, using local anaesthetic. Your results will not be available on the same day however we will discuss when and how you will receive your results. Please inform the Consultant Radiologist on the day if you are taking any blood thinning medication.

You can ring us or email if you would like to speak to one of our Breast Care Nurses for more information prior to your visit.