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Breast Imaging

We are committed to providing rapid access to investigations that aid diagnosis and treatment of breast symptoms. At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital we have Consultant Radiologists with specialist expertise in breast imaging available to report mammograms and perform ultrasound examinations. We always aim to give you most of your results on the day of your appointment.

Breast imaging

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital offers the following services for both routine screening and symptomatic patients:

  • Full field digital mammography
  • Breast ultrasound
  • Fine needle aspiration & core biopsy
  • Stereotactic localisation
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Computed tomography scanning (CT)

Imaging facilities

  • Our full-field digital mammography system offers our patients shorter examination times, lower radiation doses, and excellent image quality. There is also significant improvement in patient comfort as compression times are kept to an absolute minimum.
  • Self referral mammography is available for women over the age of 40 who have no obvious breast problems and have not had mammography within the past 12 months.
  • Women noticing a lump or any breast changes are advised to see their GP or contact The Breast Unit on 02072664272.
  • Ultrasound is widely used in the assessment of breast conditions. It is recognised to be the better examination for younger women. Our high resolution colour doppler ultrasound scanner is used for detailed examinations of specific breast abnormalities and as guidance for core biopsy and fine needle aspiration of breast abnormalities.
  • Breast MRI is a recognised diagnostic investigation for specific breast pathologies, and where clinically indicated is undertaken on either our 1.5 or 3T MRI scanner.
  • Our multi-slice Toshiba Acquilion One Genesis Edition CT scanner completes the compressive range of imaging equipment supporting the Breast Unit.

Imaging personnel

  • During our breast imaging clinics, Consultant Radiologists with specialist expertise in breast imaging are available to report mammograms and perform ultrasound examinations.
  • All breast screening mammograms are read by 2 breast radiologists in line with national guidelines. You will be notified of your results within 3 working days.
  • Our team of Mammographers are state-registered radiographers with specialist post-graduate training in breast imaging.

Examination results

  • We hope to give you most of your results on the day of your appointment. However, sometimes we need more time to analyse the tests and you may be asked to come back to the clinic in one week for your results.
  • All breast screening mammograms are read by 2 breast radiologists in line with national guidelines. You will be notified of your results within 3 working days.
  • Core biopsy test analysis is a longer process and the results are never available on the same day. Patients will be advised of when their results will be available before they leave the Unit.

How to access breast imaging

  • Patients attending the Breast Unit will be referred for any necessary breast imaging by the Consultant Breast Surgeon.
  • Women with breast lumps or breast changes (symptomatic) will need to see a Breast Consultant before accessing breast imaging. Appointments to see the Breast Consultant can easily be arranged through the Breast Unit who also welcome direct ‘self referral’ for urgent conditions. Imaging is available at the same appointment day so that there is no delay in getting results.
  • Self referral screening mammography is available to women over the age of 40, who have no obvious breast symptoms, have not had mammography within the past 12 months and are registered with a GP (see above). N.B. Women noticing a lump or any breast changes are advised to see their GP or contact The Breast Unit on 02072664272.

Breast Clinic

The Breast Clinic comprises a multidisciplinary team that enables surgeons to work in partnership with their colleagues in imaging and pathology to ensure a smooth and informed process for patients.

A patient speaking to a receptionist

Patient information

Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.

Make an enquiry

If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 020 3370 1041 .

Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.

If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.

If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.

If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.

*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.

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