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Breast Clinic

Kennedy11
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I’ve had a non healing skin lesion on my breast for over 3 weeks. The GP has referred me to the breast clinic as it’s not gone after a course of antibiotics. I was referred today and already have an appointment. I’m concerned it’s a skin problem - rather than a breast issue. Will the breast clinic refer elsewhere if that’s the case? I don’t want to waste anyone’s time and feel like the department is busy enough as it is without me attending for a non-breast related problem?

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    Hi Kennedy11,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you've had problems with this lesion healing. Please don't worry about wasting anyone's time. It is impossible to be sure why this is not healing, until you have had some tests at the breast clinic. It is not possible to predict how the breast clinic might refer you if they suspect a skin problem. You will either be referred back to your GP to make a referral to Dermatology or you might be referred straight to Dermatology.

    I am glad to hear that you have already got an appointment at the breast clinic and I hope that you don't have to wait too long for it. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Here's hoping that nothing untoward is found.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Kennedy11 and thank you for your post.

    I’m sorry to read about your situation.  I think your GP's referral is actually very reasonable.

    A breast clinic will see people with a wide range of breast-related symptoms, such as skin changes on the breast, persistent rashes, nipple changes, redness or inflammation that doesn't settle with treatment and suspected infections that haven't responded as expected.

    Hospital specialists are used to seeing patients whose symptoms fall outside their specialty. GPs are not always expected to know the diagnosis with certainty before referring.

    Depending on what the breast team finds, they may, reassure and discharge you back to your GP with advice or arrange further investigations themselves (for example imaging or a biopsy if needed).

    They could refer you to dermatology or another relevant specialty, or advise your GP to make an onward referral.

    I hope you know more soon and everything is ok.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.

    If it would help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline, you can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Kind regards,

    Tina

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