Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Breasts can naturally feel lumpy, and a breast assessment with scans and clinical examination helps determine their nature. This is usually done in one-stop breast clinics, where patients are assessed, imaging is performed, and results are shared during the same appointment. If a biopsy is needed, it is done in the same visit. Biopsy results are typically available within five to seven working days. All patients with a biopsy or significant imaging findings are discussed in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
Majority of the benign breast problems are due to physiological changes. Whenever there is an aberration in normal development and involution, patients end up having benign problems. The benign breast problems do not change to cancer but it is important that patients are comprehensively evaluated in the one-stop breast clinic if they have any change in breast symptoms
Not all patients need surgery for benign problems. Majority ( 90 percent )of the patients presenting with benign problems are reassured and discharged following a comprehensive assessment in the one stop breast clinics.
Following full assessment, if the breast cysts are symptomatic then they are aspirated under the Ultrasound guidance. For majority of patients, surgical intervention is not required. However, if the cyst has blood aspirate, refill quickly or have intra- cystic inclusion contents, then they may need surgical intervention following full assessment
Patients presenting with benign problems after complete evaluation are reassured and discharged from the clinic. Majority of the patients do not need regular follow-ups. Comprehensive advice with breast awareness booklet is provided following the one stop assessment