Non-Cancerous Breast Conditions

Non-cancerous breast conditions

Most new breast lumps, cysts, and nipple changes are not cancer — but they still deserve a clear specialist assessment so you know what you are dealing with and what happens next. Dr Fiona Tsang-Wright (GMC 4549831) assesses non-cancerous breast conditions with surgery when it helps and straightforward reassurance when watchful waiting is the right plan. Conditions seen include fibroadenomas, breast cysts, mastitis, intraductal papilloma, and duct ectasia. Private consultations in London and Buckinghamshire at the Women's Health Centre – Harley Street, Women's Health Centre - King's Road, and The Chiltern Hospital; NHS consultant at Bucks Breast Unit, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benign lump

Fibroadenoma excision

Surgical removal of a fibroadenoma, usually as a day case through a short, discreetly placed incision. Offered when the lump is large, growing, or you would prefer it removed.

Growing or large fibroadenoma, or patient preference to remove.

Benign lump

Cyst aspiration

Draining a fluid-filled cyst with a fine needle under ultrasound guidance — performed in the same one-stop visit as the imaging. Quick, with no anaesthetic required.

A symptomatic or uncomfortable breast cyst.

Infection

Mastitis & breast abscess

Mastitis is usually treated with antibiotics. If an abscess forms, it is drained by needle aspiration under ultrasound guidance, often arranged as a same-day appointment.

Mastitis not settling with antibiotics, or a suspected breast abscess.

Nipple discharge

Microdochectomy

Surgical removal of one or more milk ducts, used to treat single-duct nipple discharge (usually from an intraductal papilloma) or troublesome duct ectasia.

Persistent single-duct discharge, intraductal papilloma, or symptomatic duct ectasia.

B3 lesions & papillomas

When a benign biopsy still needs follow-up

Solitary intraductal papillomas without atypia and atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) on core biopsy are usually managed with vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) under image guidance in current UK practice, with open surgery reserved for atypia, discordance, or persistent symptoms.

Most breast presentations are benign

A clear diagnosis, explained — not rushed

Most patients seen for a new breast symptom leave with a benign diagnosis. Whether or not a procedure is needed, you leave the one-stop appointment with a clear answer and a written summary.

One-stop clinic