This web page / leaflet explains what you can expect from your visit to the breast clinic. You may be worried about attending the clinic but most people do not have serious problems -nine out of ten people will not have breast cancer.

Q1. What can I expect when I come to the clinic?

A1. There are several different tests that can be carried out in the clinic but you may not need all of them. We aim to give you the results of your tests before you leave the clinic but this may mean that you are in clinic for several hours. In a few cases we may need to ask you to come back for some results or further tests .

Q2. Can I bring someone with me?

A2. You are welcome to bring a partner, relative or friend with you for your appointment. They can stay with you for most of the visit, including some of the tests and your consultation with the doctor if this is what you want.

Q3. Can we make your visit easier?

A3. Please let us know before your visit if there are arrangements we can make for you e.g. providing wheelchair access, interpreters/signers.

You may need a particular time for your appointment:

• if you need to make arrangements for child care

• if you care for relatives

• of you need time off work

or you may want to let us know that you may need more time for your appointment.

You can contact the appointments desk on 0191 282 5900.

Q4. How do I get to the clinic?

A4. The bus and metro stations are both near to the RVI. Parking within the hospital is limited can be very difficult. If you use a ticket machine at the hospital, or on the surrounding streets or car parks, you should allow plenty of time for your appointment.

The multi-storey car park on Queen Victoria Road may be more convenient as you pay for this as you leave. There are some parking places for the disabled outside the outpatients department.

Q5. What happens at the clinic?

A5. We aim to give you an answer to your problem at this visit. You will usually have to wait for a short time for some tests to be carried out and then another wait to see the doctor when we have the results. We can’t always say how long your visit will take but you may be in the clinic for most of the morning or afternoon. A Breast Care Nurse is available in the clinic if you wish to discuss your breast problem with her.

Q6. What will the doctor do?

A6. One of the breast clinic doctors will see you and examine you. This may be all that may be needed and the doctor will explain the cause of your problem to you.

When you see the doctor you can have a partner, relative or friend with you in the consulting room and they can stay with you while you are examined if you want them to. There will be a female nurse present while you are examined.

Q7. What tests will I have?

A7. You may need an X-ray (mammogram) or ultrasound (hand held scan) of the breast. These will be done in the clinic. The doctor will then see you and explain the results to you. If you X-ray or ultrasound and examination are normal you may not need any more tests in the clinic and you can go home. There may be no need for any further appointments or check-ups.

Q8. What happens if there is a lump?

A8. If you have come to the clinic because of a lump, or the doctor finds one, it is important to find out what it is. If you have a cyst (a fluid filled lump), this can be emptied using a small needle.

If the lump is solid the doctor may remove some cells from it, again using a small needle, and these cells will be looked at under the microscope. The results will take about an hour to come through and usually we can give you the results before you leave the clinic.

Sometimes it is not always possible to get an answer from the needle test. If we can’t get an answer for you we will recommend a further test of your breast tissue. This is called a core biopsy and may be performed in the clinic or you may be asked to come back to have this done. It will take another week or so to get the results of this test. If you do need this test we will tell you more about what it involves.

Q9. What happens if I have cancer?

A9. Most patients in the clinic will not have cancer. For people who do have breast cancer diagnosed, the doctor and Breast Care Nurse would discuss and plan the treatment with them. Everyone is different and what suits some people may not suit others. The Breast Care Nurse is available to help and advise about any treatment.

Q10. What if I want to know anything else?

A10. A Breast Care Nurse will be available in the clinic when you attend. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to speak to her. The doctor who sees you in clinic will offer you a copy of the letter that is sent to your GP. You do not have to have a copy if you do not want it.

Other leaflets you may find helpful are:

• Your guide to support services

• Breast Care Nurse Specialists

• Your guide to needle tests

• Your guide to breast biopsy

You can ask for these when you come to the clinic.

You can also ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice and help. NHS Direct is a confidential 24 hour helpline staffed by trained nurses.

Published by Clinical Nurse Specialists (Breast Care)

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust

Next review March 2010