Breast Lumps & Cancer
Expert Consultation and Investigation
Dr George is a full member of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand, thereby offering specialised consultation, investigation and, when required, treatment of any breast related condition.
Whatever your concern, the journey begins with an expert consultation, where we discuss your medical history, any symptoms you’ve noticed, and your personal and family background regarding breast health. This conversation helps me get to know you better and identify any factors that might influence your care. It’s a chance for you to share your concerns and for me to explain what the next steps will be.
After our initial discussion, the next step involves a thorough investigation to determine what’s happening with your breast health. The goal is to gather as much information as possible to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, which may entail mammography, ultrasound and MRI.
If we find something that needs closer examination, a biopsy may be necessary. This involves taking a small sample of tissue for analysis to confirm or rule out specific conditions, such as breast cancer. Biopsies are a crucial part of the diagnostic process, providing us with the detailed information we need to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Dr George will provide support you through the entire process.
Management of Benign & Inflammatory Breast Conditions
Benign breast conditions include fibroadenomas, cysts, and fibrocystic changes. These are non-cancerous anomalies which might have been felt by you or your GP, or found incidentally on imaging scans. After diagnosis is confirmed, these can often be observed, however treatment can be undertaken if they are bothersome.
Inflammatory breast conditions, such as mastitis and abscesses, can lead to redness, swelling, and pain. Mastitis is often an infection, requiring antibiotics, while abscesses may need drainage to relieve discomfort.
Chronic Granulomatous Mastitis is a form of mastitis which is recurrent and can be distressing and disfiguring. It is difficult to diagnose and treat. Dr George has a special interest in this, and offers on site ultrasound and specialised treatment to help diminish its effects.
Specialist Investigation and Management of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a complex condition that requires a thorough investigation and personalized management plan. As a specialist in breast services and treatments, my role is to guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the best care and support.
The process begins with detailed investigation to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer. This involves a physical examination, mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI scans to identify abnormalities. If there’s a suspicious lump, a biopsy is performed to determine if it’s cancerous and, if so, what type of breast cancer it is.
Staging is crucial in breast cancer management, as it tells us whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This often requires additional imaging tests like CT or PET scans.
With a confirmed diagnosis and stage, we move to creating a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. This plan typically includes surgery, with options ranging from lumpectomy to mastectomy, depending on the size and location of the tumour. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy may also be part of the treatment, depending on the type of cancer and its characteristics.
Throughout this process, I work with a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons to ensure you have a comprehensive approach to your treatment. My role is to explain each step, address your concerns, and manage any symptoms or side effects that might occur.
If you’re facing a breast cancer diagnosis, remember that you’re not alone. I’m here to help you navigate the journey, answer your questions, and provide compassionate care. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. Together, we’ll work towards your recovery and ensure you’re supported throughout your treatment.
Screening and Surveillance
Medical Screening aims to identify potential disease early before symptoms develop, thereby improving outcomes. Breast Screen offers free screening to any women between 50 to 74, however Dr George offers an individualised approach. This might be warranted in potentially higher risk and more complex cases.
Surveillance refers to monitoring someone who has had a condition or treatment in the past. Following breast cancer, this is usually performed on an annual basis, often by your treating surgeon or oncologist. It is important for this to be performed by a doctor who is up to date with current guidelines.
Both screening and surveillance include a physical assessment for lumps, changes in breast shape, skin texture, or nipple discharge. A second key aspect includes imaging, such as mammograms and ultrasound. Sometimes additional imaging such as MRI is warranted, depending on risk factors such as genetics and breast density.
If we find any potential abnormalities during surveillance, further investigation may be required, such as additional imaging or a biopsy to examine tissue samples. Dr George will guide you through these steps and explain everything so you know what to expect.
We are here to help you navigate this journey with confidence, providing expert advice and compassionate care. Together, we can ensure you stay on top of your breast health and address any issues that arise.