Breast screening and assessment of symptomatic women involve imaging techniques such as mammograms and breast ultrasound. These forms of imaging look at breast tissue to identify normal, benign or malignant features.For some women the imaging performed reveals findings that may now require a further test to know what it is and needless to say, the very famous question asked at the clinic–what next...?
As expected, this next step can raise various levels of anxiety. At specialised breast centres, the ability to perform the necessary testing on a breast lesion can be carried out on the same day at the same centre, without having the patient go in search of how and where to get this done.These minimally invasive breast procedures can range from fine needle aspiration (FNA), core needle biopsy (Tru Cut), and Vacuum Assisted Mammotomy.
Several young women present at Pink Hibiscus with innocent lumps known as breast cysts. These are simply fluid-filled sacs which can fluctuate in size based on hormonal changes. The breast specialist may in many circumstances opt to leave it alone but in other situations, women may be advised of a fine needle aspiration. This is a simple, painless procedure where a needle attached to a syringe is inserted into the cyst and the fluid aspirated. This fluid is then sent off to the laboratory for testing.
Women who may have solid lumps seen on ultrasound are usually recommended a core needle biopsy (Tru Cut). A biopsy is a procedure used to obtain a sample of the tissue under review. At a specialist breast clinic this is carried out under ultrasound guidance, and local anaesthetic is given once the lesion is identified. A needle is then inserted which allows for very small pieces of tissue to be taken and sent to the laboratory for testing. This procedure does not involve an incision and hence no scars are left behind.
Some solid lumps and even microscopic findings (calcifications) found on mammogram can be completely removed by a vacuum procedure called vacuum assisted mammotomy. This is done under image guidance with either ultrasound or mammogram. Once the lesion is seen the patients receive local anaesthetic to the area.
Similarly, like the core biopsy, a needle is inserted which is connected to special vacuum equipment. This allows the lesions to be removed by a tiny needle hole. No scars are made on the breast and women can resume normal duties right after. With this advancement in technology, breast units can now remove benign lumps such as fibroadenomas at the bedside. In this way, women avoid general anaesthesia and a surgical incision and are therefore able to maintain the aesthetic appearances of their breasts.
A woman's breast needs range from physical examination, mammograms/ultrasounds, minimally invasive procedures, and any treatment needed thereafter can all be addressed at a specialist breast clinic, all done under one roof in a hassle free manner. In this way, women are able to achieve the tailored and comprehensive approach to their breast management as deemed fit by the breast specialist.
Dr Shashta Sawh
Breast Physician
Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialists
5 Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook.
Phone: 627-1010