Breast Clinic Rapid Access
Your GP surgery has requested an appointment for you at the Breast Clinic in Forth Valley Royal Hospital. We aim to see you within 2 weeks. Please contact FV Appointments on 01324 566639 if you do not receive an appointment. They have an answerphone and will call you back if no one is available when you call.
What to expect at your breast clinic appointment
Please only bring one companion to the appointment as there is limited seating in the outpatient department. Please wear clothing that is easy for undressing as at your appointment you may have a:
- Breast examination: a doctor or nurse physically checks your breasts
- Biopsy: a small amount of breast tissue is removed to be checked under a microscope
Not everyone referred to a breast clinic will need an x-ray, scan or biopsy.
Mammogram – This is an x-ray of your breasts. You are required to undress to the waist. Your breast will be compressed between two x-ray plates to obtain the best picture. It can be slightly uncomfortable but will only last a few seconds. The test takes approximately 30 minutes.
Breast Ultrasound Scan – You will be asked to undress to the waist for this procedure. It is a scan of your breast and involves some gel being put on your breast before the clinician uses a probe which will produce a picture of the inside of your breast.
Needle Aspiration – This involves inserting a small needle into the breast. Most people describe this as uncomfortable rather than painful.
Biopsy – This involves taking a small sample of breast tissue and you will be given local anaesthetic for this procedure. Advice will be given at the clinic if this is required.
How long will it take?
Your visit to the breast clinic can take up to several hours so all the necessary tests can be carried out.
You may have a breast examination and not require any further tests which should take approximately 15 minutes.