The Set up of One Stop Breast Clinic

Diagnosis of breast diseases especially breast cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach.Following self-referral or referral from the family physician, an efficient and timely process has to be in place to allow for rapid and accurate diagnosis. In case of suspicion of malignancies, appropriate assessment and planning of future treatments are alsorequired.Diagnostic techniques such as digital mammography and MRI and image guided biopsy methods (stereotactic and/or ultrasound) have to be utilized in a streamlined and based on clear guidelines.The diagnostic evaluation of patients with breast symptoms is based on the triple assessment including clinical examination, imaging and biopsy (ultrasound guided and/or stereotactic). The triple assessments have to be performed as close to each other and ideally in the same clinic (one stop clinic). One stop clinics can be surgeon or radiologist led. This will allow an adequate diagnostic evaluation in the majority of the patients in the shortest period of time.A diagnostic multidisciplinary team will discuss and conclude on the findings which will then be communicated to the patient. The aim is to have a preoperative pathological diagnosis of breast cancer for all patients that will eventually have an operation. In this presentation, the set up of a one-stop clinic as well as the algorithms for referral, assessment and diagnosis will be discussed