The responsible Breast Surgeon – Specialist Breast Surgeon of the Breast Care Clinic, Ioannis Haveles, with respect to the Principles of Modern Breast Surgery, addresses the issue of definitive diagnosis of breast diseases with the most recognized method of Triple Check.
But what is Triple Checkup?
1. Breast imaging:
Your radiologist will perform a digital mammogram or tomosynthesis and the classic diagnostic breast ultrasound. MRI mammography will be requested by the mammologist if needed. It is not a first-line test. With these tests, we look forward to seeing you at Patras Breast Care Clinic.
2. Breast evaluation: Specialized clinical breast examination and consideration of risk factors for breast cancer.
The first contact with the doctor, in an hourly visit syo Breast Care Clinic Patras. Your file is updated with your medical history, findings from the examination and current findings from the radiological examinations. The initial diagnosis will determine the further course.
There is probably nothing to worry about. Then, we’ll just continue breast cancer prevention together on a yearly basis. However, if during the initial screening there have been findings that need further investigation and histological diagnosis, then, we move on to Step 3.
3. Directed Biopsy: The goal is to move quickly to an unequivocal diagnosis with histological examination. Worldwide the most accepted way today is histological examination with biopsy (not just fine needle breast puncture). After two years of specialist training in Interventional Ultrasound (UK 2014-2016), Patras Breast Care Clinic is certified to perform Microwave Guided Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy.
This means that without surgery (so relatively inexpensively), in the office, under local anesthesia, a tissue sample will be taken from the suspected area for a complete histological examination. The accuracy of sampling is guaranteed by the use of invasive breast ultrasound in this procedure. This also means that biopsies can be taken from tiny non-palpable breast lumps identified by the radiologist as part of prevention.
So what is the point of Triple Breast Screening?
Not the hassle, complications, incision, and expense of a purely diagnostic surgery that is avoided in all advanced countries. A minimally invasive biopsy is sufficient. Whether a definitive surgery is needed will depend on the result of the histological examination alone. Many times no further action will be needed, in which case surgery will be avoided permanently. But if it is needed, after the preoperative diagnosis has been made, we will know exactly the most appropriate operation. This alone guarantees excellent results in both health and appearance.
The advantages of Triple Check, in brief:
- Certain diagnosis
- Sure diagnosis
- Reduced diagnostic procedure costs
- Avoidance of unnecessary surgery and its complications
- Correct surgery when needed
- Preoperative planning with precision and selection of optimal surgery
- Preoperative patient information about what will happen in surgery
Learn more about Triple Check by watching John Haveles’ interview on Modern Breast Tumor Investigation Practice: