What is a private one-stop breast clinic?
It is a clinic where the examination, imaging and discussion of results happen in one visit rather than across several appointments. At Harley Street, a breast surgeon examines you, a breast radiology doctor scans both breasts and armpits with ultrasound, and your surgeon then explains the findings and agrees a plan with you. It suits anyone with a breast lump or change, a family history, or who wants a regular check.
Who will I see during my assessment?
Two consultant specialists. First a breast surgeon, who takes your history and examines you. Then a breast radiology doctor, who performs your ultrasound. You then return to your surgeon to discuss the findings and your plan, all in the same appointment.
What happens during a private one-stop breast clinic appointment?
You talk through your symptoms and history, are examined in private (a chaperone is offered), have an ultrasound of both breasts and both armpits, and then go back to your surgeon for your findings and next steps. Your written report is on your secure portal, usually the same day.
Is a private one-stop breast clinic the same as a rapid access or two-week-wait clinic?
They have a similar aim but are not the same. NHS rapid access and two-week-wait clinics see people whose GP has made an urgent referral. Our clinic is private, needs no GP referral, and offers same-day or next-day appointments.
What is triple assessment?
Triple assessment is the standard approach to a breast symptom: a clinical examination, imaging (ultrasound, a mammogram or both) and, where needed, a needle biopsy. Your private one-stop breast clinic appointment brings the examination and ultrasound together in one visit. A biopsy can be arranged if your specialists advise it, and a mammogram is added when appropriate for your age and findings, often on the same day at King Edward VII’s Hospital.
Who should book a private one-stop breast clinic appointment?
Anyone who has noticed a change in a breast, has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, has been told they have dense breasts, wants tests from elsewhere explained, or would like a regular check and reassurance.
When should I visit a private breast clinic?
If you have noticed a change, such as a lump, thickening, nipple change, skin change or persistent pain, and want to be seen quickly. Please do not wait: the sooner a change is checked, the sooner you have an answer. You can also see your GP at any time.
Does the private one-stop breast clinic include a mammogram?
No. The £590 appointment includes the consultation, examination and ultrasound. For younger women, whose breast tissue tends to be denser, ultrasound is often the most useful first scan. 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 £590 price.
Can a breast assessment detect cancer?
The assessment is designed to find out whether a symptom or finding needs further action, including whether it could be cancer. Examination and ultrasound can identify areas of concern, and a biopsy may be needed to confirm what they are. No test is perfect, and your specialists will explain what the results can and cannot tell you.
Does a breast examination hurt?
The examination should not be painful, although tender breasts can feel sensitive. The ultrasound uses a gentle probe and gel, and most people find it comfortable. Tell your specialist at any point if you would like them to pause. If a biopsy is needed, local anaesthetic is used.
How long does the appointment take?
Allow around 40 minutes: about 20 minutes with your surgeon and about 20 minutes with your radiology doctor.
How much does the private one-stop breast clinic cost?
One fixed price of £590, which covers the consultation and examination, the ultrasound, your plan discussion, a written report and portal access. A mammogram or biopsy, if needed, is not included and is priced separately.
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 report?
Usually the same day. Your report and images are available on your secure personal portal, ready to share with your GP or another specialist.
What happens after the assessment?
Before you leave, your surgeon explains your findings and agrees the next step with you. That might be reassurance, a review date, a biopsy, a mammogram or MRI, or onward care. You leave knowing what happens next.
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 our surgeons if you wish.
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.
Can men use the private one-stop breast clinic?
Yes. Men can notice breast changes too and are welcome to book.
What does a breast lump feel like?
Lumps vary. Some are smooth and move easily, such as cysts, while others feel firm or fixed. Many lumps are harmless, but any new lump or change should be checked. Other signs to look for include skin dimpling, a change in the nipple, or persistent pain in one area.
How often should I check my breasts?
There is no fixed routine. The advice is to know what is normal for you, look and feel regularly, and get any change checked promptly. Our guide, How to check for breast cancer, explains what to look for.
Does a lump in the breast always mean cancer?
No. Most breast lumps are not cancer. Cysts, fibroadenomas, normal lumpy breast tissue and fatty lumps are all common and harmless. But a lump cannot be judged by feel alone, so every new lump should be examined and, if needed, imaged.
Can a breast lump come and go or disappear?
Some can. Cysts can fill and empty with your menstrual cycle, and normal breast tissue can feel lumpier at certain times of the month. A lump that has gone away is still worth mentioning to a doctor, and one that stays or changes should be checked.
Can an ultrasound tell if a breast lump is benign?
Often, yes. Cysts and many benign solid lumps have features on ultrasound that allow a confident diagnosis. If a lump cannot be fully characterised by ultrasound, your specialists will explain why and may recommend a needle biopsy.
Will I need a biopsy?
Not always. If your examination and ultrasound clearly show a cyst or a benign lump, a biopsy may not be needed. If a lump needs a closer look, an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy can often be done at Harley Street on the same day. A biopsy is priced separately.
