Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Breast Imaging - Recall
Our Radiologist has reviewed your recent breast imaging and would like to recall you for some further views.
Please try not to be alarmed by this, as experience has shown us that approximately 10% of patients who undergo a first examination are recalled for a variety of reasons. Most women who come for assessment do not have breast cancer. As each patient is different, the reason for this recall will be explained to you in detail on the day. If you have any questions prior to this appointment, please call our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On Arrival
On arrival in the department, you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you.
All patients (ages 12-55) who will undergo a Radiology procedure will be asked about the possibility of them being pregnant, regardless of gender.
What to wear
It is helpful to wear a separate top, and skirt or trousers.
Giving my consent (permission)
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. The Radiologist / Advanced Practitioner will ask you if you are happy to proceed with any further investigations - this is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to or are undecided, please tell the Radiologist. It is your decision, and you can change your mind at any time.
The Procedure
Usually, further mammographic views are taken, and an ultrasound may be performed. The further images may then require a further procedure such as an ultrasound guided biopsy or a mammographic (stereotactic) guided breast biopsy. These will be performed by a mammographer and a consultant Radiologists.
If you would like another member of staff to be present, to act as a chaperone, during your examination then please let us know when booking in at the reception desk. If you do not request a chaperone, then we will assume that we have your consent to perform the examination without one
After the Examination
You will be free to resume your daily activities.
Risks
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Discomfort: You may experience some discomfort during the procedure. You may have some red marks on your breasts after the mammogram, but these should fade fairly quickly.
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Radiation: If your procedure is performed under Mammographic guidance, then this uses ionising X-ray radiation. Everyone receives ionising radiation every day from radioactivity in the air, food we eat and the sun. Your age, size and the body part being scanned will influence the amount of medical radiation used and theoretical risks of additional exposure.
The benefit of the scan is making the correct diagnosis or treatment plan and a Radiology specialist has agreed that this benefit outweighs the risks of radiation exposure. The radiographers are trained to obtain the best possible imaging using the lowest amount of radiation possible and the equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is safe and effective.
The Results
The Radiologist will interpret your images and report back to the referring Clinician. If a needle test has been carried out, you may require a follow-up appointment which will arranged in 10-14 days to allow time for analysis of the biopsy samples (if performed).
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-MAMM.6
Approval date:
26 July 2024
Review date:
26 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.