If you’ve found a breast lump, you’ll probably have some questions. Dr Samriti Sood is a breast oncoplastic surgeon at Sydney’s Northern Beaches Hospital. She answers six common things people ask after finding a lump in their breast.
1. What happens if I feel a breast lump or have other breast changes?
You should see your GP if you have any breast symptoms, such as:
- a lumpy area
- pain or tenderness
- discharge from the nipple
- any changes in the shape of your breast.
Your GP will ask you some questions about your symptoms and your family history. They will probably examine your breasts and organise some imaging tests. The most common imaging tests for breast symptoms are mammograms and breast ultrasounds.
If you have a breast symptom, you should have both types of imaging if possible. This will help to provide a more accurate assessment of your breast symptoms.
Based on the findings from your breast examination and imaging, you may be advised to have a breast biopsy.
Together, the breast clinical examination, imaging and biopsy form what’s known as the breast triple assessment. This is critical in assessing any breast lump or symptom.
2. When should I start breast screening?
Breast screening aims to identify breast cancers early, which helps to improve the overall outcomes from breast cancer treatment.
Breast screening should start from the age of 50 at the latest, although you’re encouraged to have a screening mammogram from the age of 40. Screening should be done at least every two years.
BreastScreen Australia sends out reminders for your breast screening every two years from when you turn 50 until you reach the age of 74.
Breast screening is for women who don’t have any breast symptoms. If you have a breast symptom, you should seek advice from your GP.
It’s also important to be breast aware. This means you should do a breast self-check regularly (every three months or so) to get familiar with your breasts and know what’s normal for you.
Breast self-checks includes the “look, feel and move” strategy. This includes:
- looking at your breasts to see if there are any change in their shape, skin or nipples
- feeling the skin and deeper breast tissue so you know if you have lumpy areas or distinct lumps within your breasts
- moving your arms to see if any skin dimpling appears as your breasts move over your chest muscles.
3. Is breast surgery covered by my health fund?
All breast surgeries for a benign (non-cancer) breast condition or breast malignancy (cancer) are covered by your health fund and Medicare. This includes breast reconstruction and breast reduction surgery associated with your treatment.
Breast reduction surgery is also covered if you need to help manage problems such as back or neck pain associated with very large, heavy breasts.
Cosmetic breast surgery (including implant surgery and breast lifts) is not covered by your health fund or Medicare.
4. When do I need to see a breast surgeon?
A breast surgeon specialises in treating all breast-related conditions. You may need to see a breast surgeon if your GP feels you have a symptom that needs further assessment, or if something shows up on screening that suggests a specialist opinion would be helpful.
Not everyone who sees a breast surgeon needs surgery. Breast surgeons help assess whether you need further breast investigation, treatment, or surgery.
You will need a referral from your GP or specialist to see our breast surgeons. It’s always good to have a mammogram and breast ultrasound before seeing a breast surgeon.
5. What happens when I see a breast surgeon?
Your breast surgeon will ask some questions about whether you have any breast symptoms or risk factors for breast cancer. They will examine your breasts and look at your imaging tests.
Then, your surgeon will talk to you about whether you need a breast biopsy. If you’ve already had a biopsy, they will discuss the results with you.
Based on this assessment, you might need to have breast surgery. Breast surgery ranges from short day procedures that involve minimal pain and quick recovery times to longer operations that may need a few nights’ hospital stay.
Breast surgery is safe and common. Our hospital performs breast surgeries daily and our staff are very experienced and well trained in these procedures.
6. What do I need to bring when I have breast surgery?
If you’re having breast surgery, it’s important to bring:
- a print out or disc of your breast imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, and/or MRI) test results
- comfortable clothing – shirts that button up at the front make it easier for your surgeon to examine your breasts
- comfortable bras to wear after your surgery – your surgeon or breast care nurse can talk to you about what to look for in a bra.
More information
Find out more about the cancer care services at Northern Beaches Hospital. You can also call our friendly team on 02 9105 5000 or send a message to nbh@healthscope.com.au.
About Dr Samriti Sood
Samriti is a breast oncoplastic surgeon with expertise in managing all breast-related conditions in women.
A trained general surgeon, Samriti focuses on breast surgical oncology and oncoplastic surgery for treating breast cancer. Samriti also offers reconstructive surgery to support women who are making important choices about their body image and quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
Samriti Sood
BSc(Med) MBBS(Hons) MS FRACS GradCertSurg (Breast Surgery)
Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon
Northern Beaches Hospital
Suite 4, Level 1, Building 1
49 Frenchs Forest Road East
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
Call 02 9911 7250