Breast symptoms (such as lumps) clinics
Changes to your breasts - such as breast pain or a lump - may in fact be typical (such as during pregnancy, or during your period) or a benign tumour (not cancer). However, if you notice any changes in your breasts, it is important to see your GP as soon as you can.
Appointments
Once your GP has assessed you, they may wish to refer you to the specialist breast team here at Barnsley Hospital for further assessment.
Your appointment should be arranged before you leave your GP surgery, or your GP will tell you what you need to do next.
Your breast clinic appointment is usually within 2 weeks from when your GP referred you to our new patient clinic (also known as the 2 week-wait symptomatic breast clinic).
Our breast unit is located in the purple zone at the front of the main hospital building.
How do I change my appointment?
If you need to change your appointment please phone the number on your referral or appointment letter, or contact the appointments department by calling:
What will happen at my appointment?
Your appointment will take place at the Breast Surgery Department, in the purple zone at Barnsley Hospital.
Please allow between 2 to 3 hours for your appointment.
If you need directions to the Breast Surgery Department, please ask a member of staff at the hospital's main entrance reception.
You will be seen by one of our specialist breast doctors and a female chaperone will also be present. We have male and female doctors in our team.
The specialist doctor will ask you some questions about your symptoms and your general health. Please bring a list of any medication that you are currently taking.
The doctor will examine you - you will need to undress from the waist upwards. They will then make a decision as to whether you require further tests. This might include a mammogram, ultrasound scan or biopsies. These tests will usually be carried out at this same appointment.
You will be informed of the result of mammograms and/or ultrasound scans by the end of the appointment.
However, if biopsies are taken, the results take longer because these have to be examined carefully under the microscope in the pathology laboratories.
The doctor or nurse will discuss with you how to obtain the results of the biopsy which can be in the form of a follow-up clinic appointment, via a letter in the post or via a phone call.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Our waiting area is relatively small, so please only bring one other person with you, if you wish to.