Understanding Your Results

Understanding your results after a One-Stop Breast Clinic appointment is important - so let's walk you through what to expect. Your results will be discussed with you on the same day. However, some reports, especially biopsy results, take 24 to 72 hours to be completed. Mammograms are carefully reviewed by two independent consultant radiologists to ensure accuracy. In some cases, we may need to compare your new images with previous ones. This process can take a few days. Once your biopsy report is available, we will contact you immediately with the results. For benign results, such as fibrous lumps in younger patients, a short phone call or text message is usually sufficient. If we have concerns, we may arrange an in-person follow-up in addition to a phone call. Breast imaging and biopsy results are categorized on an international scale from 1 to 5. We use the letters M, U, and B as shorthand: for example, a B1 result means normal breast tissue. Category 1, and 2 results are normal, or benign. so most patients are reassured, and discharged. Category 3 means indeterminate, but probably benign, and may require further investigation. Category 4 means the result is suspicious. while category 5 is malignant. If you receive a B2 result, we would typically be reassured, and you would be discharged. Occasionally, if you have a common benign lump, such as a fibrous lump known as a fibroadenoma. you will be offered a check-up ultrasound scan in 3 or 6 months. If you receive a B3 biopsy result, we may recommend a vacuum excision biopsy, or a small operation to remove the area concerned. This uses a specialised needle to remove a larger tissue sample, which helps confirm a benign diagnosis, or remove atypical areas that could present future risks. All biopsy results, are reviewed in a multi-disciplinary team meeting. This includes consultants in surgery, radiology, and pathology, as well as nurse specialists, and counsellors. A consensus is reached to ensure the best management plan for each patient. For additional reassurance, some patients with solid benign lumps may have a follow-up ultrasound in 3 to 6 months. Others may have a mammogram in a year to monitor specific areas, such as calcifications. If you have any questions, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Your health and peace of mind is our top priority. Thank you for trusting us with your care.