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One stop breast clinic

Triple assessment, in the order it happens

Evaluating a breast symptom properly needs three things — a clinical examination, imaging, and, where it is needed, a tissue diagnosis. We do all three together, in one visit, rather than sending you off to book each one separately.

  1. Clinical examination

    We examine you ourselves, and talk through what we find before you leave the room.

  2. Imaging

    Mammogram, ultrasound or MRI — whichever is right for you — done at the same visit, not booked for another week.

  3. Tissue diagnosis

    Where it is needed, a sample is taken at the same visit, so you leave with an answer rather than an appointment.

Imaging

Which scan is right depends on your age, breast density and what we find on examination. We may use one, or more than one, of the following.

Mammogram, 3D tomosynthesis

An X-ray of the breast — the commonest study for a lump or nipple discharge, and used for screening from age 40. 3D tomosynthesis helps give a clearer picture in denser breasts.

Ultrasound

Usually the first scan in younger women. It shows a lump's nature, size and extent, and checks the lymph nodes under the arm.

MRI

A contrast-enhanced scan, used as a problem-solving tool — in younger women, in denser breasts, or when nipple discharge needs closer assessment.

Tissue diagnosis

Imaging shows what something looks like; a tissue sample shows what it is. There are two ways we take one.

Core biopsy

Done under local anaesthetic, preferably guided by imaging so the right area is sampled. Results are usually back in three to four days. If cancer is confirmed, we add IHC testing to identify its subtype.

FNA

Fine needle aspiration — a quicker test, used mainly to check lymph nodes under the arm, and occasionally for very small lesions.

If cancer is confirmed

Staging tells us whether the cancer is contained to the breast or has spread elsewhere, which shapes the treatment plan. Not everyone needs every test below — we choose based on what is clinically indicated for you.

Blood work, a chest X-ray, an abdominal ultrasound, a bone scan, CT of the chest and abdomen, or a whole-body 18FDG PET scan, as clinically indicated.

Contact

You will be looked after.

Clinics at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital and Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre, with video consultations six days a week.

OPD timings by location
LocationDaysTime
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar Tue, Thu, Sat 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre, Defence Colony Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Video consultation Mon to Sat 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM