What is a private breast surgeon consultation?
It is a one-to-one appointment with a consultant breast surgeon to talk through a symptom, a worry, your family history or a screening result. It includes a review of your history, a clinical examination of both breasts and armpits, and clear advice on next steps, with imaging arranged where it would help.
Who will I see at the consultation?
A consultant breast surgeon, always. If an ultrasound is needed, it is performed by a consultant breast radiology doctor, and you then return to your surgeon to discuss the result.
What happens during a breast surgeon consultation?
You talk through your symptoms and history, are examined in private (a chaperone is offered), and then discuss the findings and a plan with your surgeon. If imaging would help, it is arranged, often the same day. A written summary is on your secure portal, usually the same day.
What happens during a clinical breast examination?
Your surgeon looks at and feels both breasts and the lymph nodes in your armpits and neck, explaining what they are checking as they go. It should not be painful, and you can ask them to pause at any time.
What does a breast surgeon do?
A breast surgeon is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating breast conditions. They assess symptoms, examine you, decide which tests you need, explain the results and advise on treatment if it is required.
When should I see a breast specialist?
If you notice a change in your breast, such as a lump, thickening, nipple change, discharge, skin change or persistent pain, or if you have a strong family history or a screening result you do not understand. Please do not wait: the sooner a change is checked, the sooner you have an answer.
What should I do if I find a lump in my breast?
Do not panic: most breast lumps turn out to be harmless, but every new lump should be checked promptly. You can book a private breast surgeon consultation directly, often within a day, with no GP referral. You can also see your GP at any time.
Breast surgeon consultation or one-stop breast clinic: which should I book?
Choose the consultation if you want to talk it through and be examined first, for example with breast pain, a family history or a screening result. Choose the private one-stop breast clinic if you have a lump or change and want an examination, an ultrasound and a plan in one visit.
Can I have an ultrasound at the same appointment?
Often, yes. If your surgeon advises an ultrasound, it can usually be arranged the same day with a consultant breast radiology doctor. It is priced and agreed with you first, and is not included in the £350.
Does the consultation include a mammogram?
No. If your age or findings mean a mammogram would help, your surgeon will advise and arrange it at King Edward VII’s Hospital, often on the same day. A mammogram is not included in the £350 price.
Do you offer a breast pain clinic?
Yes. Breast pain is very common and is rarely a sign of cancer, but it can be distressing. A consultation with a breast surgeon includes an examination, an explanation of the likely cause and advice on managing it, with imaging if it would help.
Can a consultation assess my family history risk?
Yes. Your surgeon reviews your family history of breast and ovarian cancer, explains what it means for your own risk and advises what checks are right for you, and how often.
Does a breast consultation replace breast screening?
No. A consultation complements screening and does not replace mammograms at the ages they are recommended. Your surgeon will talk you through both.
Can men have a breast consultation?
Yes. Men can notice breast changes too and are welcome to book.
How long does the consultation take?
The consultation takes about 30 minutes. If an ultrasound is arranged the same day, allow extra time.
How much does the consultation cost?
One fixed price of £350, which covers your consultation and examination, your plan, a written summary and portal access. An ultrasound, mammogram or biopsy, if needed, is priced separately.
What if you find something?
Your surgeon explains what has been found in plain language and what it means, and agrees a plan with you. If further tests or treatment are needed, we arrange them and write to your GP. Your care can continue with the same surgeon if you wish.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly online or by phone, with no GP referral. If you are using private medical insurance, bring your authorisation number.
How soon will I have the written summary?
Usually the same day. It is available on your secure personal portal, ready to share with your GP or another specialist.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes. Coming to us privately does not affect your NHS care. If anything needs urgent attention, your surgeon writes to your GP recommending an urgent referral, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with your findings already in hand.
