Return to flip book view

Cyst Aspiration Cyst aspiration is a quick and simple procedure to remove cyst fluid with ultrasound guidance While the Radiologist is performing the ultrasound on your breast if a cyst is seen they will be able to remove the cyst This is done by inserting a thin needle into your breast to drain the cyst s The fluid from the cyst drains out into a syringe and the cyst collapses A plaster may be applied to the area of your breast when the needle has been removed This procedure is painless for most women Needle Core Biopsy If a solid lump is seen by the Radiologist while performing your ultrasound a core biopsy may be taken This is where the Radiologist uses a needle to take a small piece of tissue from the lump or abnormal area Local anaesthetic is injected into the area first to numb it You may feel a little soreness or a sensation of pressure for a short time Several biopsies are usually taken at the same time The Radiologist may apply some steri strips and a small dressing following this procedure The tissue sample is then sent to the laboratory to be looked at by a Doctor who is expert in looking at cells and tissues a Pathologist This could take approx two weeks to process You will then be taken back to Beacon Hospital Breast Care Centre where follow up arrangements will be made Patients returning for immediate follow up will have their cases discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting in accordance with the Health Information Quality Assurance Guidelines Your Consultant and Breast Care Nurse may discuss the next steps with you and answer any questions you may have If you have a needle biopsy you will be asked to return to Beacon Hospital Breast Care Centre two weeks later for your results REMEMBER 90 of patients have completely negative results Please inform us if you are taking any medication especially anticoagulants blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin Beacon Hospital Sandyford Dublin 18 D18 AK68 Contact Tel 01 293 6600 www beaconhospital ie Should you have any further enquiries regarding your appointment please phone the Beacon Hospital Breast Care Centre on 01 293 8686 Version 2 1 2023 BREAST CARE CENTRE PATIENT INFORMATION

BREAST CARE CENTRE PATIENT INFORMATION Our aim at Beacon Hospita Breast Care Centre is to provide all patients with swift access to our triple assessment clinic This assessment involves clinical history breast examination and where appropriate mammogram and or ultrasound and or biopsy We have a specialist multidisciplinary team of Consultant Surgeons Consultant Radiologists Consultant Medical Oncologists Consultant Radiation Oncologists Consultant Pathologists Radiographers and Breast Care Specialist Nurses At Beacon Hospital we have the most up to date radiology systems featuring Digital Radiology Suites with advanced Mammography and Ultrasound Things You Need To Know Before You Arrive You have been referred to Beacon Hospital Breast Care Centre by your GP This leaflet will give you some helpful information about what to expect Please read this leaflet carefully before you arrive We suggest if you are bringing someone with you they should read it too Breast Care Centre which is located next to the main hospital reception desk on the ground floor After registration you will be asked to take a seat and wait to be called by the Breast Care Specialist Nurse The Breast Care Specialist Nurse will introduce herself and answer any questions you may have at any stage during your visit You will then be introduced to the Consultant Breast Surgeon who will ask you some medical questions and examine your breasts By examining your breasts the Doctor will be able to determine if you need more tests and if so what tests you need These tests will be carried out on the same day 1 2 3 4 Mammogram Ultrasound Cyst Aspiration Needle Core Biopsy What Are These Tests way enabling us to get all the information we need Mammogram A mammogram is where a series of specialised x rays of the breasts are taken to detect abnormal growths or changes in the breast tissue We do not know before you come in which tests you may need In some cases you may have to stay through the whole afternoon If you bring someone with you for company they can help you think of questions to ask and remember the answers you get The mammogram is taken by a Radiographer You will have complete privacy during this procedure While You Are At Beacon Hospital Breast Care When you arrive at Beacon Hospital go directly to the When you arrive in the Radiology Department you will be escorted to the changing area provided with a gown and asked to undress to the waist You will then meet the Radiographer who will perform your mammogram The Radiographer will firstly ask you to remove your gown they will then place your breast on the mammogram machine and press on it with a plastic paddle This is usually not painful but may be uncomfortable Each x ray will last a few seconds The Radiographer will take at least two pictures of each breast Please avoid using deodorant talcum powder and body cream on the day of your mammogram It is important to inform us if you have breast implants If you have had a previous mammogram please bring your films with you A Radiologist will assess the results of your mammogram If they see something unusual the next step may be to perform an ultrasound of that particular area Ultrasound An ultrasound uses high pitch sound waves to create a picture of your breast on a screen It produces pictures of the internal structure of the breast It helps us to see whether a breast lump is a cyst filled with fluid or solid Ultrasounds are also useful for women under 35 whose breast tissue is often too dense for a clear mammogram image This is a completely painless test and lasts less than 30 minutes The Radiologist will apply some gel to your breast and move a sensor over your breast to capture images