Breasts
We offer you detailed assessment from a consultant gynaecologist specialising in breast care and ultrasound scanning experts who are world leaders in breast scanning; this combination is excellent for diagnosis of problems ranging from pain to lumps and cancer. We then provide treatment to suit you. In addition to medical care, you may use complementary care, and have emotional support from a personal or family therapist.
You begin by meeting your gynaecologist to discuss your history and be examined.
Ultrasound scanning and mammograms are the cornerstone of breast diagnosis. We check for cysts and abnormal tissue changes. Mammography and advanced ultrasound imaging can detect many breast lesions or abnormal tissue changes at a very early stage of development. Combining ultrasound with mammography is a good way to screen for cancer.
We offer an ongoing screening programme for women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer and for women who have had IVF treatment.
Breast symptoms may reflect changes within the ovaries; particularly as a reaction to oestrogen production. Our combined use of pelvic and breast ultrasound allows us to identify this response.
Treatment for your symptoms may involve medication prescribed by your doctor.
The need for surgery is occasionally indicated to diagnose and treat abnormal tissue changes. Surgery is performed by a specialist breast surgeon associated with Viveka.
Where symptoms are related to menstrual hormone fluctuation, lifestyle measures including exercise, relaxation and attention to nutrition play an important part in maintaining hormone balance.
Complementary therapies are often effectively combined with lifestyle advice and medical treatment. For example, acupuncture and homeopathy are very effective ways to balance hormones and reduce breast symptoms.
Did you know?
Acupuncture can treat some breast lumps. Some women are prone to lumpy breasts because the circulation of body fluids is prone to be slower than normal and glands tend to block up causing build up of heat and toxins. By treating stomach and liver heat and superficially treating breasts, lumps can clear within hours.
And it is useful following breast cancer treatment. Acupuncture can help side effects of chemotherapy, i.e. nausea, skin itching and redness. If tamoxifen is prescribed to reduce levels of oestrogen when breast cancer appears to be linked with oestrogen, the result can cause menopausal symptoms such as hot flushing, night sweats, etc; these may be relieved dramatically with acupuncture.
