1 out of every 25 women we screen will be invited for the second stage of screening. This means that we have found an area on your mammogram that we would like to look at a little bit more closely. It does not mean that you definitely have breast cancer.
Second stage clinics are currently held at the Breast Care Unit, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham. We suggest you allow between 2 and 4 hours for your appointment, although how long you spend at the clinic will depend on what tests we need to do.
We can use a few different types of test to check your breasts in more detail. You may need all these tests or just one or two, depending on what the specialist wants to look at.
You may be taken for more X-ray images of your breast, or for Tomosynthesis, which is the same procedure as a mammogram, but allows us to better see your breast tissue.
• Specialists will conduct a breast examination for most women at the assessment clinic. You will need to undress from the waist up for this exam. The specialist will look at your breasts and feel them for any noticeable changes. The specialist may also ask you some questions about your lifestyle and general health.
• You will have an Ultrasound examination. This uses harmless waves to look at your breast tissue and is done by moving a probe across the surface of your breast. It is not uncomfortable or painful.
• If we need to take a sample of breast tissue (biopsy) for further testing, this will usually be performed while you are attending the clinic. The area will be numbed with local anaesthetic before the biopsy is taken, so it should not cause any severe discomfort.
Assessment results
The results of mammography, ultrasound and clinical examination will often be normal. If this is the case, the specialist will be able to discuss your results with you at your appointment.
You will be booked in for a results appointment with a breast surgeon 2-3 weeks following your tests. The breast surgeon will fully explain all your test results and will talk to you about treatment. We will give you as much information as you want or need about your diagnosis and treatment options.
Half of the women we biopsy are found not to have cancer.
Overall, 3 out of every 4 women who come to the assessment clinic will not need any further treatment.
