What to expect at breast clinic?

[DrMadelineMaxwell]

Have been referred for a lump to be checked over. May not need all tests that they offer but have been told that they will do everything needed in the one appt. How long should I expect to be there?

It will depend on initial assessment by the surgeon and tests. I arrived at about 9:30am, had a lunch break about 1:30pm after tests and returned for initial diagnosis and arranging follow up dates about 3pm.

Atleast two hours. There will be a long wait, then an exam and if they think it nec a mammogram. Then a wait for that and if they think its nec may do a needle biopsy. Take a book, Hope all goes well

If it is a "one stop shop" clinic, you first wait to see the breast surgeon and they examine you. You will probably be sent for a mammogram and an ultrasound. You may have to wait for each of these. The ultrasound can take up to about half an hour depending on what they find. They may do certain proceedures at the time of the ultrasound, if necessary. Then you wait again to see the surgeon, who will explain all that has happened. It can take several hours to complete the whole thing. Allow four hours, but it might be faster if the clinic is not busy. Take a good book and perhaps some drinks and snacks. And good luck

I was there for about 2 hours recently. It's amazing how they choreograph it. Take your phone/book/kindle with you. At my hospital my partner/mums/friends etc weren't allowed in the second waiting room post intial checks because all ladies were in gowns (just so you're aware) and the space was much smaller so seating etc was limited.

Meant to say good luck - let us know how uou get on

I was probably about 90 mins. Waited to see nurse for initial chat, she had a feel - drew round my lump with a biro and then asked me to pop my top back on and send me to another waiting room. I was then called for a ultrasound (not mammogram as reasonably young!). Ultrasound showed lump (nurse doing it said it looked like a fibroadenoma) and took 2 biopsies. For the biopsies I was given local anaesthetic. Once that was done and I had the biopsy site dressed I was sent to another waiting room, to wait to see the Dr. She then reviewed ultrasound and said looked benign, but biopsy would confirm and asked if I had any questions. Overall the clinic was probably running about 30 mins late, but once I was called through I didn't wait long in between seeing each person - it was a very slick process. Good luck.

Fingers crossed for efficiency then... supposed to be back to work in the afternoon. I don't have a job where I can take a day off at will and didn't fancy divulging what my appt was for to my boss when I asked if I could get away for an appointment first thing in the morning that day.

It was efficient. Sort of.

2 and a half hours from start to finish, inc examination, mammogram, ultrasound and results. Plenty of sitting around wearing a gown in a women's only waiting room - sorry dh!