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Information about our Breast Unit assessment clinics

Patient information A-Z

We consider a visit to this clinic to be the second stage of the screening process.

It is sometimes necessary to perform further examinations, before a final result can be given. However, the majority of women who come to the assessment clinic can be reassured that nothing further needs to be done.

During your visit, the radiographer will explain the reason for your return, ask you some further questions regarding your relevant history and explain what happens next.

If you would like to bring someone with you please feel free to do so.

Further investigations that may be offered

Mammograms

Further x-rays, some of which can magnify a specific area, are often required. These will be performed by a female radiographer and interpreted by our clinical team.

Ultrasounds

This is a completely painless examination and uses sound waves not x-rays. It is the method used for scanning pregnant women. A clinician will perform this test which gives him or her different information from that seen on a mammogram.

After the mammogram and or ultrasound our clinical team will explain what we have found. If you do not need a biopsy you will be discharged on the day.

Needle biopsy

Sometimes we need to take a small amount of breast tissue to help us make a definite diagnosis. This is called a biopsy. There are alternatives and these will be explained to you. The skin will be numbed with local anaesthetic and a small needle used to obtain a sample.

Results

It takes up to a week to analyse this tissues so you will be offered an appointment to discuss our findings. This could either be face to face or by telephone. Should any treatment be considered necessary, this will be discussed with you at that time.

Research

You may also be invited to participate in research into breast disease. You will be given full information on arrival, participation is purely voluntary and you would be free to withdraw at any time.

A female member of staff will always be present during your investigations.

Administrative staff

They are here to welcome you and to provide you with assistance as required.

Radiographers

Our team of female radiographers are specially trained and work solely in the field of breast imaging.

Clinicians

We have both male and female clinicians (some of whom are doctors) who are all dedicated to breast work.

Clinical nurse specialists

We have a team of clinical nurse specialists involved in all aspects of breast work. They are present during these clinics and are available to give information and emotional support when required.

Being part of a teaching hospital other personnel may sometimes be present, if so these will be made known to you.

Clinical nurse specialist contact numbers:

  • Joanna Rowley 01223 586960
  • Sian Goodwin 01223 586573
  • Nicola Jones 01223 596291
  • Charlotte Richardson 01223 348272
  • Lisa Jordan 01223 349884
  • Heather Jarvis 01223 596291
  • Jennifer Bragg 01223 586993
  • Karen Thorpe 01223 216313

We are smoke-free

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the hospital campus. For advice and support in quitting, contact your GP or the free NHS stop smoking helpline on 0800 169 0 169.

Other formats

Help accessing this information in other formats is available. To find out more about the services we provide, please visit our patient information help page (see link below) or telephone 01223 256998. www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/accessible-information/

Contact us

Cambridge University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
Hills Road, Cambridge
CB2 0QQ

Telephone +44 (0)1223 245151
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/contact-enquiries/