Mr S McPherson - Consultant Breast & Endocrine Surgeon

Consultant breast, thyroid and endocrine surgeon

Breast Clinics

AIMS
Breast Clinics are held twice weekly at Wycombe Hospital and at the Shelburne and Chiltern Hospitals. The aim is to provide diagnosis for the wide range of breast conditions that can occur. A team of surgeons and radiologists all work together on the same day. All the clinics are supported by specialist Breast Care Nurses.
What Happens in the Clinic?
Patients with breast lumps, pain or discharge are seen by the consultant and will have breast imaging (mammograms/ultrasound). If an abnormality is suspected further tests are performed including a biopsy, which involves sampling breast tissue by a needle test. Also present in the clinic are the Breast Care Nurses who provide expert care and guidance.

TESTS
Mammography. These are x-rays of the breast. Each breast is compressed between two plastic plates and a beam of x-rays passes onto a film. Two views are taken. The procedure may be slightly uncomfortable. The mammograms are then reported by a Consultant Radiologist with a special interest in breast radiology.

Ultrasound. Sound waves are transmitted through a probe which is placed on the breast, lubricated to improve the lineage. A computer generated image of the breast is displayed on a monitor. A consultant breast radiologist carries out this test which can distinguish between fluid filled lumps (cysts) and benign gristly lumps (fibroadenomata). Ultrasound can also identify malignant lumps.

Tissue Biopsy. This provides a specimen of breast tissue which is examined by a specialist breast pathologist in the laboratory. Under local anaesthetic with a fine needle attached to a syringe, a ‘core’ of tissue can be obtained. Cysts are often aspirated or drained in this way. The procedure may cause bruising. The core biopsy gives a very accurate result usually within 24-48 hours.