A majority of patients who worry that they have breast cancer will not have but it is important to exclude.

There are a number of reasons why women develop breast lumps and a “triple assessment” of this (history and examination, imaging and tissue diagnosis) may be required to confirm a diagnosis.

There are many common non-cancerous (benign) causes for lumps which include:

• Fibroadenoma
• Cyst
• Fibrocystic change
• Lipoma

Other benign conditions of the breast include:

• Duct ectasia
• Periductal mastitis
• Phyllodes tumour
• Fat necrosis
• Breast Calcifications
• Breast pain (mastalgia)

These are some of the recognised signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

• A change in size or shape
• A lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast
• A change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like the skin of an orange)
• Redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple
• Your nipple has become pulled in or looks different, for example changed its position or shape
• Liquid that comes from the nipple without squeezing
• Pain in your breast or your armpit that’s there all or almost all of the time
• A swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone

Looking at and feeling your breast on a regular basis will give you greater confidence at knowing what is normal for you so that any change can be detected early on. Some women find checking their breasts when in a shower or bath or when using body lotion or getting changed as the best time for breast self-examination.

While the NHS is a fantastic institution, services are often stretched. Many patients choose private care to ensure diagnosis and treatment is achieved in a timely way. This allows the patient to receive consultant-delivered care with a doctor of their choice. Furthermore, the private environment is generally quieter and more personal. Finally, surgical techniques and other treatments may be available which are not supported or have been too recently developed to be available within the NHS.

Most insurers will cover treatment for breast problems. Please give us a call and we can advise you.

For most patients, the answer will be yes.
Please call us to discuss your individual case.

Our reputation is one of our most precious assets, and we are open and transparent with communication and decision making.

All of our doctors are registered with the GMC and the appropriate Royal Colleges. They work at large NHS Trusts with good reputations along with multiple private hopistals where there are stringent checks prior to employment. All are subject to yearly appraisal in order to continue practicing.

All of our cases are discussed at an multidisciplinary team (MDT) (link) meeting prior to any treatment taking place. This ensures accountability and gives you peace of mind that your treatment plan has been agreed by multiple expert doctors in the breast field.

We only work at hopsitals that have a robust COVID19 safety policy and adhere fully to all government guidance.

Please use our contact information to get in touch by phone or email.

We are specialists in genetics and family history of breast cancer, and have access to rapid testing. Please give us a call to find out more about your particular concern.