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Thomson Women's Clinic

At Thomson Women’s Clinics, we are committed to providing modern and comprehensive care for women of all ages. Our experienced team of O&amp;G specialists is dedicated to creating a caring environment where your health and well-being are our top priorities. Our specialists provide specialised services on preventive measures, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans.Whether you need specialised care for women-related conditions or navigating the journey of childbirth, seeking support for family planning and fertility treatments, or requiring compassionate care through menopause, we are here for you.

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Thomson Paediatric Centre

At Thomson Paediatric Centres, our unwavering commitment is to treat your child with the same level of care and dedication as we would our own. We provide children's healthcare services to alleviate every parent's concerns and ensure the well-being of our next generation. Our experienced team of Paediatricians is devoted to cultivating a caring environment where your child's health is our top priority.Besides General Paediatrics services, we also offer specialised services in Neonatology and Paediatric Cardiology. Our specialist doctors are experienced in areas such as Nutrition, Respiratory, Growth &amp; Development assessment, and Paediatric Urgent Care for babies to young children and adolescents. Trust us to be your partner in safeguarding your child's health and ensuring a compassionate and comprehensive approach to their medical needs.

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Latest share price, financial performance, and other materials relevant to investors.Read about our <a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5f400315f9e4f0b3/blt5a13f1dd33c615fa/651e7a9aecf48b6d54c38b23/TMG-Investor-Relations-Policy-3Sep2020.pdf?branch=uat_release_3" target="_self">Investor Relations Policy</a>For Investor Relations matters, please email us at <a href="mailto:ir@thomsonmedical.com">ir@thomsonmedical.com</a> Thomson Medical Group Limited 101 Thomson Road #20-04/05, United Square Singapore 307591 Tel: +65 6331 0188 Fax: +65 6331 0180

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<table><tbody><tr><td>Stock symbol</td><td>A50.SI</td></tr><tr><td>Listing</td><td>Singapore Exchange </td></tr><tr><td>Financial Year End</td><td>June 30</td></tr><tr><td>Total issued shares as at 30 June 2023</td><td>26,441,066,807 ordinary shares</td></tr><tr><td>Market capitalisation as at 30 June 2023</td><td>S$1.6 billion</td></tr></tbody></table>

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Thomson Fertility Centre is pleased to offer an assisted hatching service on embryos to our patients before embryo transfer in the attempt to improve implantation rates. The unsuccessful implantation of embryos may be the result of an inefficient hatching process. What is Assisted Hatching?Hatching is the process by which the blastocyst (a day-5 embryo) escapes from the zona pellucida (the “shell” of the embryo) before implantation. Hatching may occur on about day 6 or 7 of embryo development. Some embryos are unable to hatch, possibly attributed to the “shell” being too thick or hardened. Why is Assisted Hatching recommended?While some studies have reported improved pregnancy rates after assisted hatching, others found the treatment to be ineffective. It has been shown to improve implantation rates for specific groups of patients with: <ul><li>Embryos that have thick or hardened zona pellucida.</li><li>Transfer of frozen-thawed embryos (Balaban et al., 2006, Martins et al., 2011).</li><li>The woman’s age being more than 38 years.</li><li>Basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level of &gt; 10 mIU/mL.</li><li>Previous implantation failure after an IVF/ ICSI cycle (Herslag et al., 1999).</li></ul> Therefore, if you and/or your embryos falls into at least one of the conditions mentioned above, you may benefit from the assisted hatching procedure.

Assisted Hatching

What is a blastocyst?In the natural cycle, the egg is fertilised in the fallopian tube (or oviduct) and undergoes several cell divisions before reaching the blastocyst stage (see right side of picture) on day 5 which contains hundreds of cells. The blastocyst consists of two cell populations – the inner cell mass which is the precursor of the foetus and trophectoderm which helps the embryo to implant and form the placenta. The blastocyst enters the womb (uterus) five or six days after fertilisation during which the endometrium is receptive to implantation. Therefore, the transfer of a blastocyst is believed to be more physiologically synchronised with the window of implantation.<img src="https://thomsonfertility.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/image025.png" width="502" height="303" max-width="502" style="max-width: 502px;width: 502;height: 303;"/>

Blastocyst Culture and Transfer

Thomson Fertility Centre is pleased to offer our patients the facility to freeze and store any remaining suitable embryos resulting from a fresh cycle, an embryo freezing technique used in IVF centres all over the world. Why do you need embryo freezing?The purpose of freezing your spare embryos is to store them for future embryo transfer procedures. For example, if you did not get pregnant after embryo transfer in the IVF cycle, or if your IVF cycle is successful but you wish to have another baby after this pregnancy, you could have your embryos thawed and transferred into the uterus instead of undergoing the whole IVF programme again.

Embryo Freezing

What is ICSI?ICSI is an invasive procedure where a single sperm is selected and directly injected into the egg crossing the egg shell (zona pellucida) and the oolemma (the outer membrane of the egg) in order to enhance fertilisation. What are the benefits of ICSI?ICSI helps to achieve fertilisation in patients with low sperm count or poor sperm motility and morphology (i.e. testicular sperm). It is also recommended for those patients who have defective egg shells, preventing the sperm from entering the egg; or for those who have a history of proven unsuccessful fertilisation with conventional IVF. When there is no fertilisation, it means the sperm is unable to achieve fertilisation on its own. Is there a difference in pregnancy outcomes with ICSI or IVF?The pregnancy outcome after ICSI is similar to that of IVF. Studies show no greater miscarriage, stillbirth or pre-natal death rates among the ICSI pregnancies. Is there any risk of abnormality in children conceived using this procedure?Studies have shown that there is no major difference between the children born by IVF and ICSI. The small risk of foetal abnormalities may also occur with normal pregnancies. There could also be other risks not associated with the procedure itself; such as the sperm carrying chromosomal anomaly and transmission of a genetic defect. Why would I need ICSI?Unsuccessful fertilisation could be due to a problem of the egg, sperm or sometimes both. To a large extent, ICSI helps to overcome this problem. ICSI could be helpful for you when you have: <ul><li>Very low sperm count.</li><li>Very low sperm motility.</li><li>Sperm surgically retrieved from testis or epididymis, which do not have the capacity to penetrate the egg shell and fertilise.</li><li>Prior failed cycles due to poor or no fertilisation.</li><li>Very few eggs retrieved.</li></ul> Can ICSI be done for all my eggs?ICSI can be done for all your eggs. However, if you have a large number of eggs retrieved, the eggs can be split into two groups. Conventional IVF and ICSI can be done separately after discussion with you and your partner if you have a history of unexplained fertility conditions. Is there any difference in the day of embryo transfer procedure for embryos that have gone through ICSI?There is no difference in the embryo transfer procedure or the day of embryo transfer regardless of whether your embryos have gone through ICSI or IVF. The embryos are gently placed in the uterus using a thin tube. This is usually a painless procedure lasting only about five to 10 minutes. Is consent for doing ICSI on eggs needed?Prior written consent by both partners will be required if you wish for ICSI to be performed. How is ICSI done?In ICSI, a single sperm is injected into each egg using micromanipulation under an inverted microscope. This is a highly-sophisticated procedure requiring special skills and equipment. Will ICSI procedure cause any damage to my eggs?Damage due to the procedure itself is almost nil in skilful hands. However, as ICSI is an invasive procedure, there will still be a small amount of risk of damage to the eggs. Is treatment required before and after transfer of embryos that have undergone ICSI different from routine embryo transfer?No, there is no difference in treatment compared to routine IVF and embryo transfer. You will be given the same hormone injections as for IVF before egg retrieval. Hormone injections to support the lining of the uterus will also be given as after routine embryo transfer. What is the success rate of ICSI?ICSI offers a fertilisation rate of 60 to 70 per cent. Once fertilisation is achieved, the pregnancy rate is the same as conventional IVF. That is, the success rate is related to the number of embryos transferred, the causes of infertility and the age of the woman. No pregnancy can be guaranteed with ICSI.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injections (ICSI)

What is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)?
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a procedure to test embryos for genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities before implantation. 
Who should consider PGD?
PGD is usually performed when either of the couple carry the risk of certain heritable diseases or disorders and wants to prevent it from being passed on to the child. It may also be opted for by couples older in age or had recurrent miscarriages, in order to improve pregnancy rates by identifying the ‘normal’ embryo(s) for the transfer. 
How is PGD performed?
Blood samples are taken from affected couples to develop a testing system specific to the couple. The couple has to undergo IVF treatment, irrespective of their fertility status. Embryos will be created by fertilising the eggs of the wife with the sperm of the husband. 
When the embryos reach a stage of many cells, 2 cells will be extracted from each embryo and tested for specific genetic abnormality. Normal embryos will be transferred to the uterus of the wife.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Fertility Treatments

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In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a widely-used Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment designed to help couples conceive, by combining eggs and sperm in a specialised laboratory to create embryos. These embryos are then carefully selected and transferred into the woman's uterus, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. At Thomson Fertility Centre, we are dedicated to making this journey as straightforward and reassuring as possible. We believe in simplifying the IVF process to reduce any added pressure or stress you may be feeling. This approach not only improves efficiency but also minimises the risk of communication errors, ensuring a smoother journey.

Understanding IVF

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Simplified fertility process for your peace of mind

Typically takes about a month. Your journey is beginning, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Our first consultation, typically scheduled between cycle days 2-4, helps us to assess your clinical situation and fine-tune the programme to your needs. We may prescribe oral contraceptive pills (OCP) to ensure hormonal stability and streamline the IVF process. If certain conditions are met, Phase 0 may be skipped and you can proceed directly into Phase 1.

Phase 0: Preparation

Typically 10 to 14 days, and ends when enough eggs are fully grown. 
In Phase 1, we further nurture your journey towards parenthood. 
You'll return on day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle following the course of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). This ensures that everything is primed and ready before we begin hormone treatment. 
Hormone stimulation
Daily hormone injections become a part of your routine during this phase, with easy-to-use pen injectors that make self-injections hassle-free. These injections are designed to stimulate the growth of approximately 10 eggs. 
Personalised careYour dedicated IVF clinician will handle all your scans and procedures, providing personalised care and attention. Blood tests are rarely needed at this point.

Phase 1: Egg Growth

This is the stage where the main extraction and fertilisation procedures happen. Egg Extraction (Oocyte Pick-up - OPU)A brief 10- to 20-minute procedure.This is typically performed under mild, short-acting anaesthetic, and you will usually be well enough to return home after just two hours. Fertilisation ProcessYour eggs are carefully combined with your partner's sperm in our laboratory. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where individual sperms are injected to each egg, is performed if the sperm count is very low. Otherwise, the sperm and egg are allowed to fertilise naturally. Embryo Transfer (ET)After three days of nurturing, the 'best' two or three embryos are selected. A straightforward 10-minute procedure transfers these embryos back into your womb. <img src="https://thomsonfertility.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/image028.gif" width="416" height="316" max-width="416" style="max-width: 416px;width: 416;height: 316;"/>

Phase 2: Procedures

Period of 2 weeks. During this phase, various hormones are carefully administered. This crucial phase helps maintain a stable environment in the womb, preparing it for potential pregnancy. As you progress through this phase, our dedicated team is here to support you. Your well-being and comfort remain our top priorities as you await the pregnancy test and take one step closer towards parenthood.

Phase 3: Womb Stabilisation

The 4 phases of our IVF Programme

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Stages of IVF

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Learn about our IVF Programme

The cost of a full IVF cycle typically ranges between $20,000 to $25,000. The final cost may vary based on several factors, including the woman's age and any additional procedures you may choose.Since multiple cycles may be needed, managing the financial aspect is important. We offer options to help you with the expenses:<ul><li>Medisave Claim: You can claim up to $15,000 from your Medisave account to offset IVF costs.</li><li>Instalment Plans: We provide flexible 6 or 12-month instalment plans to make payments more manageable.</li></ul>While there is no government co-funding for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment cycles at private fertility centres, our team is here to assist you. If you have questions or need more information about financing your IVF journey, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in making informed decisions and providing the support you need.

Cost of Treatment

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Managing the full cost of IVF

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Undergoing fertility treatments can be overwhelming, and we know it may not be easy for you and your partner. At Thomson, we prioritise your health and well-being, and we're here to guide you on your journey to parenthood.

Let our team of experts guide you

IVF for Women

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Breast lumps during pregnancy are very common. The expectant mother will experience many normal physiological changes ― an increase in breast size, more obvious sweat glands around the nipples, a darkening of the areola ― all of which will prepare her body for breastfeeding.Common non-cancerous variations to breasts include hormonal changes (fibrocystic changes), fibroadenomas, cysts, lipomas, accessory (extra) breast tissue. Pregnancy-related breast cancers make up about 3 per cent of all breast cancers.Whenever a pregnant woman feels a lump, she should see a doctor to get their opinion, keeping in mind that most times it will turn out to be nothing serious!<h2>What the doctor will do</h2>When you see the doctor, she will ask details as to how you detected the lump, how long it has been present and if you have detected any changes, so as to get an idea what the lump is likely to be.Next, the doctor will conduct a breast examination to confirm the presence of the lump, and check for any other symptoms such as skin changes or nipple discharge.Most patients will then be recommended to get an ultrasound scan ― this will give additional information as to whether this lump is benign or cancerous. If there is any concern that the lump may be cancerous, your doctor will advise you as to the pros and cons of having a biopsy, which can be done safely even during pregnancy.“If a pregnant women detects a lump, I would advise them to have a thorough consultation and a physical examination, followed by an ultrasound. If necessary, I would then perform a biopsy.”<h2>Breast cancer screening during pregnancy</h2>A screening checks for cancer even when a patient is feeling well and has absolutely no cancer signs or symptoms. For breast cancer screening, most countries, including Singapore, recommend mammogram screening from age 50 onwards. For women who are at higher risk, this may start at 40. Some specialists will recommend a supplementary ultrasound as well.If a pregnant women detects a lump, I would advise them to have a thorough consultation and a physical examination, followed by an ultrasound. If necessary, I would then perform a biopsy.<h2>Screening methods (Mammograms/Ultrasound)</h2>Ultrasound, the same technology used to monitor the baby during pregnancy, is safe and useful in detecting lumps, and to check if it’s solid or cystic. Most specialists do not use ultrasound as a screening method as the majority of such lumps it detects are not cancerous.A diagnostic ultrasound can still be performed safely on pregnant women to assess their breast lump. If a subsequent biopsy confirms a cancer, she may then need a baseline mammogram, after discussing the pros and cons with her doctor. This is because early stage breast cancer may not form a lump yet, but may attract calcium spots, which can be detected using a mammogram. An abdominal lead apron may be used to reduce the baby’s exposure to radiation.<h2>Breast cancer treatment</h2>If the biopsy shows that the lump is non-cancerous (benign), then it may be left alone.However, if the biopsy shows that it is cancerous, the breast cancer treatment protocols will be modified for the expectant woman. Staging* has to be conducted to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, but only with liver ultrasound and chest X-ray. Depending on which trimester of the pregnancy she is in, the breast surgeon, oncologist and the ob-gyn will discuss what is best for the patient and her baby.Chemotherapy may be administered from the second trimester onwards, followed by surgery after she deliver the baby. As such management of the patient’s treatment is complex, it will involve good multidisciplinary care by experienced doctors.*Staging is a way to describe where the cancer is located, how much the cancer has grown, and if or where it has spread.

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Thomson Breast Centre
Call: <a href="tel:+6562525535" target="_self">6252 5535</a>
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Although common breast changes are normal in pregnancy, finding a lump can be worrying. Learn what are the recommended next steps, and when you should worry.

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Breast Lumps During Pregnancy: What to Expect and Do

“It all started with a persistent pain in the left breast, and I was referred by my General Practitioner for a mammogram and ultrasound. Both the mammogram and ultrasound results showed an abnormal lump, and I was further scheduled for a breast biopsy to determine if the lump was benign or malignant. Questions started to fill my mind. What is breast biopsy and how is it performed? And is it painful?”For many patients, pain is a very common symptom and is the most common complaint that brings them to see a doctor. For a small group, there happens to be an abnormal lump found that needs a biopsy. Most times, pain is not a sign of cancer, and any lumps found may not be the cause of the breast pain you experienced.Some of us may face a similar situation when a lump is detected. It is normal to have many questions. This article aims to address some of your preliminary questions while you arrange for a consult with a professional specialist. It is important to seek timely professional diagnosis and treatment.Here’s what you need to know about a breast biopsy and what to expect.<h2>What is a breast biopsy?</h2>A breast biopsy is a process where a small sample of breast tissue is removed through a special biopsy needle. The tissue samples removed from the breast lump will be further examined under a microscope. Typically, the breast biopsy is performed if there is an abnormality detected from your previous mammograms or breast ultrasounds. The goal of the biopsy is to determine what the abnormality is and the best treatment to move forward with.Although ultrasounds and mammograms are useful ways to identify breast lumps, a breast biopsy is the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-biopsy/about/pac-20384812" target="_self">only way to confirm</a> what the lump is. Breast screening is to be done, even if you are well and have no symptoms at all, and annual mammograms should start from age 40.If you experience any symptoms, please see a doctor for early diagnostic imaging tests:<ul><li>Breast lump</li><li>Changes in the colour or contour of the breast or nipple or dimpling of skin</li><li>Discharge from the nipple</li></ul>Most breast biopsies are quick and painless. Many of the breast lumps may turn out to be benign as there are a variety of conditions that can cause lumps in the breast. However, your doctor will usually want to take precautions and order breast screening tests to rule out early breast cancer.<h2>How to prepare for a breast biopsy?</h2>Before your breast biopsy, you can prepare by informing your breast surgeon if you:<ul><li>Have any allergies</li><li>Are taking any <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/biopsy-for-breast-cancer-diagnosis-surgical-breast-biopsy" target="_self">blood-thinning medications</a></li><li>Have consumed <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/biopsy-for-breast-cancer-diagnosis-surgical-breast-biopsy" target="_self">aspirin</a> in the last seven days</li><li>Not able to lie face down for more than an hour</li></ul>You will likely meet with your specialist prior to the procedure. Your doctor would be able to advise you on the procedure and give you advice such as:<ul><li>What type of breast biopsy procedure will be done?</li><li>What is the location of my biopsy?</li><li>Will a part or all of the lump be extracted?</li><li>Will it leave a scar?</li><li>How soon will I receive my results?</li><li>How soon can I resume normal activities?</li><li>What type of anaesthesia will be used?</li></ul>Make sure to wear a <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/biopsy-for-breast-cancer-diagnosis-surgical-breast-biopsy" target="_self">sports bra and loose clothing</a> to have ease in dressing after the procedure. You may also want to have a designated driver or someone to accompany you home safely.<h2>What are the different types of breast biopsies and how are they performed?</h2>Once your breast surgeon decides that a biopsy is needed, they will determine the best type of biopsy for your situation. There are a few breast biopsy procedures to obtain samples of a patient’s breast lumps. Your breast surgeon will recommend based on the location, size, and other characteristics of the breast abnormality.Your breast surgeon will take a tissue sample either through a minimally invasive biopsy procedure or surgery. Minimally invasive procedures are ideal because they offer:<ul><li>Less pain</li><li>Less scarring</li><li>Faster recovery time</li><li>Lower risk of infection</li><li>Lower hospital costs</li><li>Able to return to usual activities quickly</li></ul><h3>Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy</h3>This procedure is performed through ultrasound guidance. An ultrasound is a method that utilises high-frequency sound waves to generate precise images.The breast surgeon will locate the lump within the patient’s breasts using the breast ultrasound device before a small incision is made for the biopsy needle to retrieve tissue samples. With an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, the breast surgeon can identify <a href="https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/breastbius" target="_self">lumps near the chest wall or under the arms</a>.It can be used in conjunction with <a href="https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/breastbius" target="_self">vacuum-assisted core biopsy, core needle biopsy, or fine needle aspiration biopsy</a>. This ultrasound-guided breast biopsy procedure is also more cost-effective than other methods like open surgical biopsy.<h3>Stereotactic biopsy</h3><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5f400315f9e4f0b3/bltdc27a561fa0c5072/6545217008cc0104077ce311/Stereotactic_Biopsy.jpeg?branch=uat_release_3" height="auto"/>With a stereotactic biopsy, a 3D image of the breast is created from the mammogram results. The doctor uses the image to pinpoint the exact location of the suspected breast lump and guides the needle there.The patient will lay <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-biopsy-stereotactic#procedure" target="_self">facing down on a padded biopsy table</a> with one of the breasts positioned in the hole in the table. The patient’s breast will be compressed with two plates while the biopsy site is located using a targeted mammogram. The breast surgeon or radiologist will then create a small incision into the biopsy site and insert a large core needle to remove tissue samples.<h3>RI-guided core needle biopsy</h3>Instead of using an ultrasound device, a biopsy can be performed under the guidance of an MRI. This imaging device captures cross-sectional images of the breast so that the hollow needle can be guided to the site of the breast lump. This procedure can be <a href="https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/breastbimr" target="_self">used with core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted core biopsy, or wire localisation</a>.he different types of breast biopsy vary in terms of how invasive the procedure it can be. Your breast surgeon will advise on the procedure that is the best for you.<h3>Open (surgical) biopsy</h3><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5f400315f9e4f0b3/blt4155c1fcecc004d3/654521990970dd001bd16e10/Open_(Surgical)_Biopsy.png?branch=uat_release_3" height="auto"/>The breast surgeon will remove part or the entire lump. If the lump is small and deep, a very thin needle and a thin wire will be <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/breast-biopsy/surgical-breast-biopsy.html" target="_self">placed inside the breast</a> before the operation to help guide the breast surgeon.Generally, a surgical biopsy is performed in an operating room usually under general anaesthesia.<h3>Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology</h3>In this procedure, a thin needle attached to a syringe is inserted into the breast lumps. The syringe will collect the sample of fluid or cells from the lump and small tissue samples are removed. Your doctor will advise if this is suitable for you.<h3>Sentinel node biopsy</h3>This procedure removes the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/staging/sentinel-node-biopsy-fact-sheet" target="_self">sentinel lymph node</a> or the first node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread. The surgeon uses blue dye or a radioactive tracer to identify the node. Then, the node is removed and tested for cancer. Cancer could have spread to other lymph nodes if the sentinel node tests positive. However, if it is negative, the likelihood of cancer spreading to other lymph nodes is lower.<h3>Vacuum-assisted core biopsy</h3>This procedure is performed with an ultrasound or mammogram unit and can be seen as an upgraded form of the core needle biopsy. Like the core biopsy, a larger needle is used and allows for several tissue samples to be taken at one time.<a href="https://www.insideradiology.com.au/vacuum-assisted-core-biopsy" target="_self">A probe or hollow tube is inserted into a cut made on the skin</a>. Then, a vacuum-assisted device is used to pull the tissue into the needle while a rotating cutting device takes the sample. Using a suction device is beneficial because it can get more cells and fluid through the needle, which cuts down on the number of times the needle will need to be inserted to retrieve multiple samples.<h2>Benefits and risks of breast biopsy</h2>Before proceeding with breast biopsy procedures, you may want to discuss with the breast surgeon and weigh the benefits and risks to determine the suitable procedure that is right for you. Fortunately, most procedures are less invasive compared to surgical biopsy and some will leave minimal to no scarring. The biopsy results will indicate whether the breast lump is malignant or benign which would either allow you to rest easy or quickly get the treatment that you need.Although these procedures are generally safe, there are some risks involved. Possible complications that can incur from a breast biopsy include:<ul><li>Mild pain and bruising</li><li>Infection</li><li>Prolonged bleeding</li><li>Soreness at the biopsy site</li></ul>Many of these side effects are simply temporary. However, if they persist, contact your breast surgeon for treatment. Generally, following the aftercare instructions will greatly reduce these risks and limit the odds of infection.<h2>FAQ</h2><h3>Why is a breast biopsy done?</h3>A breast biopsy can be done for several reasons:<ul><li>To identify any lumps in your breast</li><li>To check for the potential causes of any nipple problems such as bloody discharge</li><li>To evaluate whether the breast lump or breast mass is cancerous or non-cancerous.</li><li>To check the severity of a problem seen from the breast imaging results, such as a fluid-filled cyst or calcium deposits in breast tissue (microcalcifications)</li></ul><h3>How often are breast biopsies positive for cancer?</h3>&gt; 80% of the patients who undergo the biopsy procedure do not have cancer, while only &lt; 20% of breast biopsies are malignant. When the results are negative, the breast lump is benign.<h3>Does a breast biopsy hurt?</h3>The breast surgeon may use local anaesthesia to help numb the biopsy area during the procedure. It may be slightly uncomfortable, but most patients describe it as tolerable. Once the site is numb from the local anaesthetic, one should only feel pressure but no pain from the biopsy.Typically, only local anaesthesia is required. However, general anaesthesia may be used in severe cases, meaning the entire body is numbed.<h3>How long does it take to recover from breast biopsy?</h3>Biopsy procedures do not cause significant pain to your body. However, you may experience some bruising, tenderness, or soreness for a few days after the biopsy procedure. Patients can take non-aspirin pain relievers that contain acetaminophen and apply cold packs to help ease the pain and discomfort. However, it can take longer to recover from surgical removal procedures when compared to nonsurgical procedures.With all breast biopsy procedures, except for the surgical biopsy, you will be able to go home without a patient caregiver. You will likely have bandages and a cold pack over the biopsy site. Most patients can resume usual activities within a day after the procedure.Tell your breast surgeon if you notice the following problems after the biopsy:<ul><li>Pain that gets worse</li><li>Chills or fever</li><li>Swelling, redness, drainage, or bleeding</li></ul><h3>How soon should you expect to receive your breast biopsy results?</h3><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5f400315f9e4f0b3/blt3ce74f2f0f705f43/654521d254447604077cfdc6/Breast_Biopsy.jpeg?branch=uat_release_3" height="auto"/>Once the procedure is done, the breast tissue samples are sent to the lab. A pathologist will evaluate the samples using specialised tools and then create a report to send to the breast surgeon, who will share the results with you.Generally, it takes a few days before the results are ready. However, it can take as long as two weeks before the test results are available if the lab needs more time to process your specimen.Sometimes a clear diagnosis is not possible based on the sample given. In this scenario, you may need another biopsy performed so that the breast surgeon can obtain more breast tissue for further evaluation.The results will share details about the consistency and size of the breast tissue samples, the location of the biopsy site, and whether there are cancer cells present. If it is malignant, the report will detail the type of breast cancer you have. Based on the findings, your breast surgeon will advise on the next steps for treatment.<h2>Book Your Appointment at Thomson Breast Centre</h2>Prevention is always better than cure! Our clinical team at <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/breast" target="_blank">Thomson Breast Centre</a> offers different services for all <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/blog/womens-health/breast-screening-mammogram-ultrasound" target="_blank">breast screening</a> needs with the assurance that you will be well taken care of. It is important to detect signs of breast cancer early. The sooner it is detected, the faster the treatment can start. At Thomson Medical, our doctors will evaluate the lump and provide the appropriate tests for diagnosis.Most patients start with a specialist consultation for a personalised clinical breast assessment. We offer a wide range of biopsy procedures, from minimally invasive removal to more advanced surgical options if a biopsy is needed. Book a specialist consultation with Thomson Breast Centre and start your breast health journey today.

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Thomson Breast CentreCall: <a href="tel:+6562525535" target="_self">6252 5535</a>WhatsApp: <a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=6586688697&text=I+was+browsing+the+Thomson+Medical+website+and+would+like+to+make+an+enquiry.&type=phone_number&app_absent=0" target="_self">8668 8697</a>

Worried about a breast lump? Don't panic. A breast biopsy is a simple procedure that can help determine if the lump is benign or malignant. Learn more about the process and what to expect from this article.

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Everything You Need to Know About Breast Biopsy

Just as there are skin issues that arise during pregnancy, skin conditions can also develop after you give birth. Fortunately, they are largely treatable, so there is no need to fret – your postpartum skin and hair will bounce back in no time. We take a look at some of the most common conditions.<h2>Melasma</h2>Also known as “the mask of pregnancy”, this pigmentation condition is due to increased melanin production and is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, as well as sun exposure. It tends to affect Asian skin more, appearing as brownish patches over the cheeks, forehead, temples, nasal bridge, upper lips and jawline.It is best controlled by avoiding the sun and with regular use of sunscreen, lightening creams and topical agents, although it can persist in some cases. Other treatments include chemical peeling, intense pulsed light therapy and certain forms of laser therapy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding – certain ingredients such as tretinoin and hydroquinone that can be found in some skincare products should be avoided by breastfeeding mums.<h2>Dermatitis/eczema</h2>Eczema or dermatitis is a relatively common yet noninfectious condition, so it will not spread to your baby. Often it is an aggravation of an underlying sensitive skin condition that has been present for some time. For new mothers, it can also develop as a result of excessive water contact due to frequent handwashing.Use moisturiser regularly to soothe inflamed and itchy skin. Topical steroid creams are prescribed to calm inflamed skin and are safe to use even when breastfeeding. Use a gentle soap substitute and continue to moisturise even after the skin rash has settled.<h2>Stretchmarks</h2>Affecting at least 90 percent of pregnant women, stretchmarks are a form of scarring that appear red when fresh, but most will fade to white after delivery. During pregnancy, intensive use of moisturisers may help the condition, and there are specially formulated stretchmark creams on the market that you can continue using after delivery. For more severe cases, dermatologists may prescribe tretinoin cream to use postpartum when you are not breastfeeding. Some skin-tightening laser treatments are safe options to remove stretchmarks even if you are breastfeeding, but these usually require multiple sessions.<h2>Telogen effluvium</h2>This condition results in hair fall that usually occurs about three months after delivery. Though increased hair fall can be distressing to new mothers, it is almost always a self-limiting condition, and you will usually recover within six months. If you notice increased hair fall, consult a doctor to exclude other causes of hair loss (such as low iron levels). Topical medications can be used if you are not breastfeeding.<h2>Acne</h2>Caused by an inflammation in the facial oil glands, acne may be aggravated by hormonal changes. Most of the time, acne clears within a few weeks or months, but medical treatment should be sought to prevent the risk of scarring. There are many topical agents that can be safely used even when breastfeeding. In more severe cases, oral medications such as antibiotics may be required.

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Thomson Specialist Skin CentreCall: <a href="tel:+6563976006" target="_self">6397 6006</a>

Postpartum skin problems like melasma, acne, and stretch marks are common but temporary. Learn how to relieve and prevent the 5 most frequent postpartum skin woes.

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