Breast Surgery

The breast surgery department offers a full range of breast assessment and treatment for benign and malignant breast conditions.

Breast reconstruction is performed on-site routinely. The Walsall Healthcare breast care team continue to be ranked number one nationally for the hitting the 31/62 day cancer targets.

Three consultant-delivered rapid access clinics are held each week. Here new patients are seen in a “one-stop” approach, with a clinical assessment, imaging and biopsy being performed on the day. Results of biopsies are discussed at the multi-disciplinary team meeting and patients are reviewed in a separate clinic with breast care nurse support.

The department is also a dedicated breast screening unit, in collaboration with City and Sandwell Hospital. It represents one of the largest screening units in the country. Radiology support is also provided to both the screening and symptomatic service by these hospitals.

A full range of breast screening techniques is offered including vacuum-assisted biopsy and excision, localisation of impalpable lesions and MRI.

The unit participates in local and national audits and is compliant with QA assessments. Patients are seen and treated within the 62/31 day cancer targets.

Oncology services are also provided and the unit is supported by a senior surgical trainee from the West Midlands deanery. Follow up clinics are also offered, as are result clinics and breast nurse clinics for family history/breast pain.

Oncoplastic breast reconstructive surgery

The department is able to offer reconstructive surgery for those undergoing a mastectomy, with implant-based reconstruction. The service is also able to refer patients to other providers who can offer DIEP flap reconstruction when appropriate.

Both in-house nipple reconstruction and nipple areola tattooing services are available. Delayed reconstruction for patients having had prior mastectomy is also available.

Oncoplastic techniques such as mammoplasty and lipodermal modelling are also routinely employed to ensure a good cosmetic result from breast conservation. Symmetrisation procedures such as reduction mastopexy or augmentation are also performed routinely as part of the patient’s cancer treatment.

Patients are seen in the weekly dedicated oncoplastic (and breast reconstruction) clinic. This clinic is supported by a breast care nurse and allows a detailed discussion regarding the oncoplastic options available for each patient.

Information for patients

It’s very important to check your breasts regularly to spot any concerning changes early on and ensure you get them checked by your doctor. This video is a guide on how to self-examine your breasts properly and what to look for.