desktop_logo.svg

Thomson Specialists

Thomson Medical offers convenient access to comprehensive specialist outpatient and surgical care for women, children, and families through Thomson Specialists. Our team is dedicated to addressing your unique needs and providing tailored treatment options. Take control of your health today by booking an appointment at any of our Thomson Specialists clinics and embark on a journey towards improved well-being.

Bringing Comprehensive Specialist Care Closer To You

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.

Our Expertise

Specialists in Women’s Health

We understand that managing your health appointments around work and family commitments can be challenging. For your convenience, we provides women's health consultations beyond standard hours at multiple locations across Singapore.Extended Hours LocationsWhile all 12 of our women's health clinics operate during standard clinic hours, the following locations offer extended consultation times:Northeast<ul><li>Woodleigh: Thursday, 6pm - 9pm</li><li>Sengkang: Tuesday &amp; Friday, 5:30pm - 7:00pm</li><li>Punggol: Tuesday, Thursday &amp; Friday, 12pm - 8pm</li></ul>East<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Tampines: Monday, 7pm - 9pm</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Katong: Wednesday, 10am - 8pm</li></ul>West<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Jurong: Monday &amp; Thursday, 6pm - 9pm</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Bukit Batok: Monday, Thursday &amp; Friday, 6pm - 8:30pm</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Choa Chu Kang: Monday, 6pm - 8pm</li></ul>Thomson Medical is committed to providing accessible healthcare that fits your schedule.

Evening Clinics

Gynae Evening Clinics

Our Doctors

Locate Us

Thomson Women’s Clinic

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.

Specialists in Children’s Health

Our Paediatricians

Please click on the below links for our Paediatricians' availabilities.
<table>
 <colgroup data-width='478'>
 <col style="width:41.0042%" />
 <col style="width:58.99580000000001%" />
 </colgroup>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>Paediatricians</td>
 <td>Clinic Location</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dr Ang Ai Tin</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/XcyrrQBgEW35Rw3f6" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (TPC 1)</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dr Eugene Han</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/odint8UJmba6RBPbA" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (TPC 4)</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dr Grace Lim</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/obLpwmEFumMjMzRz8" target="_blank">Thomson Specialists (Woodleigh)</a> </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dr Kenneth Chua Yong Yeow</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kp3TYWxzLXkfkkPYA" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (Punggol)</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dr Leo Deng Jin</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/NVzfb9zvkUMvvNxN8" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (Bukit Panjang)</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dr Lim Yang Chern</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Ex6ra4NmwHQUopS6" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (Jurong)</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dr Ong Ian</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/78WJoj482r35Af7T9" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (Parkway Parade)</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dr Tan Kuanyang</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/odint8UJmba6RBPbA" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (TPC 4)</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dr Yang Linqi</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/XcyrrQBgEW35Rw3f6" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (TPC 1)</a></td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>
Refer to each paediatrician's <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/centres/paediatric-centre/paediatricians-consultation-hours">consultation hours</a> for their availability.

Our Paediatricians' Leave Schedule

General Information

Your Guide to Thomson Medical

Investor Relations

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

Investor Relations Contact

<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 2025</td><td>26,441,066,807 ordinary shares</td></tr><tr><td>Market capitalisation as at 30 June 2025</td><td>S$1.1 billion</td></tr></tbody></table>

Shareholder Information

Corporate Presentations

Annual Reports

Sustainability Reports

Events Calendar

Investor Relations at a Glance

Enquire Now

We understand that facing breast cancer is not easy, and the decision to have surgery can feel overwhelming.At Thomson Medical, our breast specialists are here to help you throughout your treatment journey to improve your quality of life.Our team of breast cancer specialists focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of cancerous breast conditions. We perform various procedures including biopsies, lumpectomies, mastectomies, and reconstructions using standard techniques such as minimally invasive approaches and oncoplastic surgery.We aim to support both your physical recovery and your emotional wellbeing, helping you to regain your confidence and ensuring your comfort during this challenging time.Not sure which breast surgeon is right for you? Our medical concierge team is here to help and answer any questions you may have.

Find a doctor

Find a Breast Cancer Specialists

Dr Yong is a Visiting Consultant at Thomson Breast Centre.Dr Yong Chee Kong was awarded the Ministry of Health HMDP (Human Manpower Development Programme) Fellowship in 1992 to specialise in Breast Cancer Surgery under the tutelage of Prof Roger W Blamey who was instrumental in the training and specialisation of breast surgeons in United Kingdom. Dr Yong started his private surgical practice in Breast Surgery in Singapore in 1995, dedicated to Breast Cancer Screening, Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy with image guidance, Oncoplastic Breast Surgery and Axillary sentinel nodes biopsy.

Dr Yong Chee Kong

Dr Germaine Xu Guiqin is an accredited Breast Surgeon with Thomson Medical Centre. She is a visting consultant at <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/breast">Thomson Breast Centre</a> and practises at Germaine Breast and General Surgery Clinic in Thomson. Dr Xu has a special interest in oncoplastic breast surgery, general surgery, and the surgical treatment and reconstruction of pre-malignant breast diseases and breast cancers. Dr Xu graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2003 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. She obtained her Masters of Medicine (Surgery) in 2007 and completed her advanced general surgical training in 2009. In 2014, she received her fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Dr Xu also undertook a year-long Ministry of Health (MOH) Human Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship in oncoplastic breast surgery at the Nottingham Breast Unit. Additionally, she received training at the Edinburgh Breast Unit, the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), and the Paris Breast Centre. Dr Xu was pivotal in developing the Breast Oncoplastic Unit at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where she served as a Breast Oncoplastic and General Surgeon. She was the first surgeon in Singapore to perform laparoscopic harvested omental flap partial breast reconstructions after lumpectomy for cancer in 2017. Dr Xu accepts referrals for all cancer types, with a special clinical interest in breast cancer surgeries, including lumpectomy, mastectomies (simple, skin-sparing, or nipple-sparing), sentinel node biopsy, axillary clearances, and various reconstructive options such as LICAP flaps, latissimus dorsi flaps, implant reconstruction, and lipofiling. She also performs prophylactic mastectomies for women at high risk of breast cancer and treats male breast cancers and gynaecomastia. In addition to her expertise in breast surgery, Dr Xu is a trained general surgeon skilled in laparoscopic surgeries, including appendectomies, cholecystectomies, hernia repairs, and staging procedures. She also performs elective and emergency endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Dr Xu has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring. She has served as a clinical tutor at both the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS) and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (NTU). She was an examiner for NUS and trained residents as part of the General Surgical Residency Faculty under the National Healthcare Group. Outside of work, Dr Xu regularly gives talks for the Breast Cancer Foundation to raise awareness and participates in medical missions to countries such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

Dr Germaine Xu Guiqin

Dr Woon is a Visiting Consultant at Thomson Breast Centre, with over 27 years of experience in patient care, 18 years of which were in private practice as a breast surgeon. She obtained her MBBS in 1996 from the National University of Singapore (NUS). She attained her Masters of Medicine in Surgery degree from the NUS in 2001. She was conferred the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2000, and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in General Surgery in 2004. In 2004, she also became a Fellow of the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore, and was accredited as a Specialist in General Surgery by the Ministry of Health, Singapore in 2004.When she was undergoing surgery training, she was taught locally by the pioneer surgeons in breast conservation prior to the coining of the term "Oncoplastic", which led to her subspecialty interest in breast cancer surgery. She was fortunate to have been among the earliest batches of surgeons in Singapore trained by the pioneers in laparoscopic surgery as well as cross-trained in endoscopy. She is a life member of both ELSA (Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia) and the Hepatopancreaticobiliary Society of Singapore (HPBA(S)). To serve the medical community, she is active in various professional associations and organisations. Since 2007, she has been a Council Member of the Singapore Medical Association (SMA). She is the Vice-Chairman of the Medical Indemnity Committee, Board Member of the Centre for Medical Ethics and Professionalism (SMA-CMEP), and one of the Directors of SMA Pte Ltd. She represented the SMA as the Councillor of the Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO) from 2008-2018. She is a member of the Standing Committee on Professional Affairs at the Academy of Medicine Singapore. Dr Woon has been a member of the Transplant Ethics Committee since 2014. She was appointed to the National Medical Ethics Committee (NMEC) for 2017-2018.

Dr Bertha Woon

Request Appointment 

Dr Peter Ang Cher Siang is a Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Thomson OncoCare Cancer Centre in Thomson Medical Centre, Novena. With over 30 years' experience in clinical practice, he specialises in treating breast and lung cancer, including cases presenting at a young age and those linked to inherited genetic conditions.Dr Ang provides personalised cancer care for patients and their families, including risk assessment, treatment planning and long-term monitoring. He is accredited in familial cancer risk assessment and management, which enables him to support individuals with hereditary cancer.Dr Ang obtained his medical degree from the National University of Singapore in 1991. He then completed a Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine, becoming a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in the UK in 1997. Subsequently, he undertook further training at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School, specialising in breast cancer and cancer genetics.Prior to entering private practice, Dr Ang was a Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist and Director of Cancer Education at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. He played a key role in setting up the cancer genetics service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, supporting the care of patients with breast, ovarian and other gynaecological cancers.Dr Ang also chaired the Breast Cancer Workgroup at the National Cancer Centre and SingHealth, contributing to the development of the Breast Cancer Health Management Plan.Dr Ang has also been involved in research and publication in the field of medical oncology, including in relation to breast and lung cancer. He has contributed to medical literature as an author and journal reviewer and has presented at regional and international conferences. His publications include work on cancer treatment approaches and genetics, with research appearing in journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine.Dr Ang is accredited to perform medical oncology procedures at the Thomson Medical Centre.

Dr Peter Ang Cher Siang

Dr Angela Pang Shien Ling is a Senior Medical Oncologist at the Thomson OncoCare Cancer Centre in Novena, as well as a visiting consultant at the National University Cancer Institute of Singapore. With over 15 years' experience in clinical practice, she specialises in managing gastrointestinal cancers, soft tissue and bone sarcomas, <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/blog/breast-cancer">breast cancer</a>, and cancers in older adults.Dr Pang obtained her medical degree from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS), later completing a Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine at the same institution.She is also a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in the UK. She underwent specialist training in medical oncology at the National University Hospital (NUH) and completed a research fellowship in sarcoma at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.Driven by her interest in improving outcomes for elderly cancer patients, she pursued further training in geriatric medicine at NUS and in geriatric oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, also in New York. She later founded the GOLDEN (Geriatric Oncology Longitudinal End-to-End) program, the first of its kind in Singapore. This program is designed to deliver age-sensitive, tailored cancer care to seniors.Before entering private practice, Dr Pang was a consultant at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCIS) and a visiting consultant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. She led the Musculoskeletal (Sarcoma) Oncology team at NCIS, which manages sarcoma cases in patients of all ages.In addition to providing clinical care, Dr Pang is involved in clinical education and academic research. She has served as a core faculty member for medical students and residents at NUH, and has held the position of Assistant Professor at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.She has participated in international clinical trials and her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA Oncology, the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Nature Communications, and Clinical Cancer Research.She is also a member of several professional societies, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) and the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS).Dr Pang is accredited to perform medical oncology procedures at Thomson Medical Centre.

Dr Angela Pang Shien Ling

Dr Kevin Tay Kuang Wei is a Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Thomson OncoCare Cancer Centre in Novena and a visiting consultant at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. He has over 25 years' experience in managing a wide range of cancers.He specialises in breast and gynaecological cancers, melanoma, brain tumours, and soft tissue and bone sarcomas, as well as haematological malignancies such as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukaemia, and cancers in individuals with HIV.Dr Tay obtained his medical degree from the National University of Singapore. He then undertook postgraduate training in internal medicine at the University of Hawaii, before pursuing a fellowship in medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is a part of the United States' National Institutes of Health (NIH). During his postgraduate studies, he was appointed Chief Resident and Chief Fellow.While at the NIH, he trained under senior oncologists, including Dr Sandy Swain, who specialises in breast cancer, and Dr Giuseppe Giaccone, who specialises in lung cancer. He also spent two years conducting translational research, focusing on linking laboratory findings with clinical applications.Upon returning to Singapore in 2010, Dr Tay joined the National Cancer Centre to continue his research and contribute to its translational oncology efforts. He has obtained research funding from the National Medical Research Council of Singapore.Dr Tay also holds American Board certifications in both internal medicine and medical oncology. His research interests include applying genomics to cancer, and he has collaborated with academic institutions in Asia and the United States. His work has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals.Dr Tay is accredited to perform medical oncology procedures at Thomson Medical Centre.

Dr Kevin Tay Kuang Wei

Find a breast cancer specialists in Singapore

Enquire About Insurance

<img width="auto" height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5f400315f9e4f0b3/bltb272a4983113df6c/680f1e2f3501d5455cd5219b/Doc-profile_breast-surgeon-cancer.png?branch=production" alt="Doc-profile_breast-surgeon-cancer.png" max-width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;max-width: auto;width: auto;height: auto;"/>*Insurance coverage may vary by doctor. To confirm eligibility, please request an appointment with your preferred doctor.

Insurance

Insurance Panel

Breast cancer treatment usually involves a multidisciplinary team of specialists working together to provide the necessary care:<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Breast Surgeon (Surgical Oncologist): Performs surgeries such as tumor removal (lumpectomy) and mastectomy, aiming to preserve as much healthy breast tissue as possible.</li><li>Medical Oncologist: Manages systemic treatments like chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy.</li><li>Radiation Oncologist: Oversees radiation therapy, which may be recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.</li><li>Plastic Surgeon: Performs breast reconstruction to restore the breast’s appearance after surgery.</li></ul>Depending on your specific diagnosis and treatment plan, you may work with some or all of these specialists to receive comprehensive, personalised care.

Which doctors can handle breast cancer treatment?

The urgency of breast cancer surgery depends on the type and stage of the cancer, but in general, surgery is planned soon after diagnosis and staging to remove the tumour and prevent progression.Early surgery is important for better outcomes, but the exact timing will be individualised based on your medical conditions.

How urgent is breast cancer surgery?

The amount of breast tissue removed depends on the size, location and type of the tumour.<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) involves removing only the tumour and a small amount of surrounding tissue, preserving most of the breast.</li><li>Mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast and is recommended for larger or multiple tumours.</li></ul>Breast surgeons aim to remove all the cancer while conserving as much healthy tissue as possible. They sometimes use oncoplastic techniques to achieve the best cosmetic result.

How much of my breast needs to be removed during surgery?

Additional treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as other factors, such as:<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Radiation therapy is often recommended after breast-conserving surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.</li><li>Chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy may be recommended before or after surgery, depending on the characteristics of the tumour and your medical conditions.</li></ul>Your breast cancer surgeon will assess whether you need these additional treatments as part of your overall treatment plan.

Will I need additional treatments after surgery (chemotherapy, radiation)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Thomson Breast Clinic

Thomson Breast Centre

Thomson OncoCare Cancer Centre

Breast Cancer Specialists in Singapore

appointmentForm

Appointment Form

thomson-logo.svg

Request Appointment

Find an Expert

Our Locations

Locate us

speak_with_us.png

contactGeneralFeedbackForm

Contact / General Feedback Form

Contact Form / General Feedback Form

Send an Enquiry

Speak with us

Doctor_Placeholder_Female.png

Doctor_Placeholder_Neutral.png

Doctor_Placeholder_Male.png

Default_Placeholder_Landscape.png

Alternate_Placeholder_Landscape.png

Default_Placeholder_Portrait.png

Alternate_Placeholder_Portrait.png

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.

Breast_Lumps_Pregnancy_1440x810.png

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.

Breast_Lumps_Pregnancy_400x267.png

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 only way to confirm 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 <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/blog/breast-cancer" target="_blank">breast cancer</a>.<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 blood-thinning medications</li><li>Have consumed aspirin 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 sports bra and loose clothing 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 vacuum-assisted core biopsy, core needle biopsy, or fine needle aspiration biopsy. 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 used with core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted core biopsy, or wire localisation.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 placed inside the breast before the operation to help guide the breast surgeon.Generally, a surgical biopsy is performed in an operating room usually under general <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anesthesia" target="_blank">anaesthesia</a>.<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 probe or hollow tube is inserted into a cut made on the skin. 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 <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/find-a-doctor/breast-surgeon-singapore" target="_blank">breast surgeon</a> 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/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.

Breast_Biopsy_1440x810.png

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.

Breast_Biopsy_Thumbnail_400x267.png

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>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.<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.

Postpartum_Skin_1440x810.png

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