What is a one-stop breast clinic?

A one-stop breast clinic provides a comprehensive and streamlined approach to breast health, offering assessment, diagnosis, and treatment all in a single visit. This service aims to detect and manage breast conditions, including breast cancer, quickly and efficiently. Many individuals visiting the clinic may feel anxious about the possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis. However, it’s reassuring to note that nearly 95% of patients attending these clinics do not have cancer. Early detection and effective management of breast issues are essential for long-term health, and our clinic is designed to deliver expert care rapidly.

What happens at the clinic?

Upon arrival, our receptionist will greet you and confirm your details. We understand that attending a breast clinic can be a stressful experience, and we encourage you to bring a supportive friend or family member if you wish.

Your appointment will begin with a detailed review of your medical history. This will focus on any previous breast issues, past mammograms, family history, and any potential risk factors. Following this, a triple assessment will follow:

After the examination, you may be referred for imaging.

Triple assessment

At our one-stop breast clinic, we use a triple assessment approach to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This comprehensive assessment includes the following steps:

• Breast examination: A physical examination of the breast and surrounding tissue by a consultant. If necessary, your consultant may mark areas of concern to guide further tests.

• Imaging: Depending on your age and symptoms, you may undergo a mammogram or an ultrasound. Women over 40 are more likely to receive a mammogram due to denser breast tissue in younger women, which can make mammograms harder to interpret.

• Biopsy or aspiration: If imaging reveals a suspicious area, your consultant may recommend a fine needle aspiration or core biopsy to take a sample of cells or tissue for laboratory analysis.

The triple assessment approach, often completed during a single visit, is highly accurate, with a sensitivity rate of over 98% for detecting breast cancer. If a biopsy is performed, the results typically take only a few days to process, after which we will schedule a follow-up consultation to discuss your results.

Common concerns

Our one-stop breast clinic is designed to address a range of breast health concerns. Some of the most common reasons patients visit us include:

• Breast lumps: Lumps are a frequent reason for attending the clinic. After a thorough examination and imaging, most lumps are found to be benign (non-cancerous). A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

• Breast pain: Breast pain can be either cyclical (related to the menstrual cycle) or non-cyclical. Although breast pain is rarely a sign of cancer, it is important to address the discomfort. Treatment options may include reassurance, lifestyle modifications, or medication.

• Breast implant concerns: We frequently see patients concerned about breast implants. After an examination and imaging, most patients can be reassured that their implants are in good condition. If needed, further tests or procedures like a biopsy may be recommended.

Diagnosis and results

If you undergo a biopsy or fine needle aspiration, the samples will be sent for laboratory analysis. Once the results are available, usually within a few days, we will invite you for a follow-up consultation to discuss the findings. In some cases, additional imaging, such as an MRI, may be recommended to further investigate the issue. Based on your diagnosis, your consultant will guide you through the next steps, whether that involves reassurance, further monitoring, or a treatment plan.

Why choose Birmingham Breast Clinic?

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, our one-stop breast clinic offers a rapid, accurate assessment of breast health. We use the latest diagnostic technology and provide same-day results for most imaging tests. Our multidisciplinary team of breast specialists ensures that you receive personalised care tailored to your needs, without unnecessary delays. Whether you are visiting for reassurance, further investigation, or treatment, our clinic offers the highest standard of breast care in a compassionate, supportive environment.

Contact us

If you are concerned about your breast health or would like to make an appointment at our one-stop breast clinic, please contact us.