A guide to the Breast Assessment Centre

You have been asked to come to this Breast Assessment Centre following your visit to the screening unit.

We consider this to be the second part of the screening process. It does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong.

If you would like to bring someone with you, feel free to do so.

What happens when I arrive?

When you report to the receptionist, she will ask you to sit in the waiting room. We will try our best to attend to you as quickly as possible.  Please note that you may have to be in the department for several hours.

What happens next?

A Breast Care Nurse will talk to you about the reason for your visit and show you into the changing area.

You will probably have further mammograms taken showing different views of your breasts.

After this, a doctor will examine you and perform an ultrasound scan of the breasts. The doctor will then decide whether any further tests are needed (most of these can be done immediately).

What further tests might I require?

• Fine Needle / Core Biopsy

A few women may be asked to have a 'needle test'. The doctor or advanced practioner will pass a needle into the breast to withdraw fluid from a cyst or take a sample of cells and/or tissue. You will be given further information if you need to have these tests.

What about the results?

Following any test considered necessary you will see one of our doctors who will discuss your test results with you. Some needle test results may not be available until the next week. You will be told if this is the case and given your next appointment before you leave the clinic. A Breast Care Nurse will also be available to answer any queries you may have. You can request a copy of the letter that the department will send to your General Practioner. 

The majority of women seen will not require further investigation and will be screened again at the appropriate time. A small number of women will require a breast biopsy or further treatment.

The staff are here to help

We hope this information will help you understand what goes on at the Breast Assessment Centre.

If you have any questions please ask any of the staff. They will be happy to try to answer your queries.