Question 1

Do all breast lumps mean cancer?

Accepted Answer

No. Most breast lumps are benign, but any new lump should be assessed.

Common benign causes include cysts, fibroadenomas and hormonal changes
A clinical breast exam and imaging are needed to confirm the cause
Early assessment ensures reassurance or prompt treatment if needed

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 2

Which breast changes should you get checked?

Accepted Answer

You should arrange a breast assessment if you notice a new lump, thickening, pain that does not settle, a change in shape or size, skin dimpling or redness, nipple inversion, or any nipple discharge, especially if it is blood-stained. Even if you think the change may be minor, it is best to have it checked early for reassurance and, if needed, prompt treatment.

Question 3

When should I see a breast specialist?

Accepted Answer

Any new change in your breast especially if that lasts longer than one menstrual cycle should be assessed.

A lump or persistent area of thickening
Nipple changes, discharge, or skin changes
Any other changes that you feel is unusual like change in the skin, tecture of the breast contour etc...

Also you should see a specialist if you have

Strong family history or high-risk findings
Abnormal imaging needing further evaluation

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 4

Can breast pain be a sign of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Breast pain alone is not usually caused by cancer.

Most breast pain is hormonal, muscular, or due to benign cysts
Persistent, localised pain should still be assessed
Triple assessment with Imaging (Mammogram for patients 40+ years old and ultrasound scan) may be recommended for reassurance

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 5

What is Triple Assessment

Accepted Answer

A triple assessment combines clinical examination, imaging and Tissue sampling with a biopsy if needed to diagnose breast symptoms.

It is the gold standard for breast diagnosis
Increases accuracy and reduces false results
Usually involves a mammogram for all patients 40+ and/or ultrasound and if there is any abnormality then a biopsy is done.
Sometimes the breast surgeon will arrange other tests if needed

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 6

Do I need a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: The best test depends on your age, breast density and symptoms.

Usually all patients 40+ will have a mammogram and usually an ultrasound scan is done after. 
Ultrasound is useful for younger women or cysts
Mammograms are ideal for screening and calcifications
MRI is reserved for high-risk cases or complex findings or in some ladies that have very dense breast
There is new imaging modalities like contrast enhanced mammograms that are also being used now more frequently

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 7

what is a core biopsy and is it painful

Accepted Answer

A core biopsy takes a small tissue sample under local anaesthetic taken under the guidance o imaging usually. It may feel uncomfortable but is usually well-tolerated.

Performed with a needle using ultrasound or mammogram to confirm the needle is going through the lesion.
Provides a definitive diagnosis
Bruising or mild discomfort can occur for a few days
Many times the radiologist will. insert a little marker clip in the breast to mark the area biopsied.

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 8

How accurate are Mammograms

Accepted Answer

Mammograms are excellent screening tools especially in women over 50 but the will not pick all breast abnormalities

Sensitivity increases with age as breast tissue becomes less dense, so they are not as accurate in young ladies or ladies with dense breast tissue
its a good screening tool in detecting calcifications and breast abnormalities
Often combined with ultrasound for higher accuracy
There are some tumours that are not easily seen on mammograms especially lobular cancer, so tripe assessment is essential in any patient that comes to the clinic with symptoms
The new mammograms are more accurate especially the 3D mammograms, and there are new contrast enhanced mammograms that increase diagnostic accuracy

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 9

Which breast cancer operations might be suitable for you?

Accepted Answer

Your main surgical options are breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy. A lumpectomy removes the cancer while keeping as much of your breast as possible, and oncoplastic techniques can help improve the shape afterwards. If a mastectomy is the best option, you may also be able to have reconstruction at the same time or later. You may also need lymph node surgery as part of your treatment plan.

Question 10

What is a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery)?

Accepted Answer

Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) removes the tumour and a margin of healthy tissue while preserving most of your breast. It is usually followed by radiotherapy and offers similar survival rates to mastectomy for suitable cases. Recent data suggests that patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery may have better outcomes. Oncoplastic techniques enhance cosmetic results. Consult with Mr. Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, to see if this option is right for you.

Question 11

What is a mastectomy and when is it recommended?

Accepted Answer

A mastectomy is the total removal of the breast, while we aim to remove all, in reality we remover 90-95% of the breast tissue.

Mastectomy is recommended when breast-conserving surgery is not suitable and also in High risk patients with abnormal genes like the BRCA. 
The actual size of tumor in not the absolute indication it is the ratio of tumour size to breast size. 
In cases of recurrent cancer, in many patients mastectomy is recommended though breast conservation can be an option for some 
Can be combined with immediate reconstruction
Nipple-sparing options may be possible in selected patients

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 12

What is a Sentinel Node Biopsy?

Accepted Answer

It identifies and removes the first lymph node or nodes that drain the breast to check for cancer spread.

This is done using a radioactive tracer +/- Blue dye, though other tracers are being used like Magtrace and ICG.
Helps avoid full lymph node clearance when nodes are negative
Even if positive full axillary dissection can be omitted in many patients 
Lower risk of lymphoedema and other complicatios than full clearance

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 13

What breast reconstruction options could you be offered?

Accepted Answer

You may be offered reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomy or later on. Options can include implants, tissue expanders, or flap surgery using your own tissue, such as DIEP flap reconstruction from the tummy. The best choice for you depends on your breast size, body shape, cancer treatment, and personal preference. Not everyone is suitable, so you should discuss your options with your surgical team.

Question 14

What is lipofilling of the Breast?

Accepted Answer

Lipofilling, also called fat transfer or lipomodelling, uses your own fat to improve breast shape or correct defects after surgery.
 
Fat is taken by liposuction usually from the abdomen, flanks or thighs and injected into the breast
Often used after lumpectomy to improve the shape of the breast and correct defects
May require repeat sessions for best results

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 15

What is DCIS

Accepted Answer

DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) is an early breast cancer confined to the ducts and has an excellent prognosis.

It has not spread outside the ducts so it is non invasive cancer
Treated with surgery, sometimes with radiotherapy
Aims to prevent progression to invasive cancer

Answered by Mr Yazan Masannat, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (London, UK) and founder of iBreastBook.

Question 16

What is the role of imaging in breast cancer diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Imaging techniques like mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs play a crucial role in diagnosing breast cancer. They help detect abnormalities, guide biopsies, and monitor treatment progress.

Question 17

How does Mr. Masannat ensure personalized care for his patients?

Accepted Answer

Mr. Masannat takes a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and preferences. He combines advanced surgical techniques with compassionate care to achieve the best outcomes.

Question 18

Where can I find Mr. Masannat's research publications?

Accepted Answer

You can find Mr. Masannat's research publications on our website under the 'Research and Publications' section. He has authored over 80 peer-reviewed studies covering various treatments and surgeries for breast cancer.

Question 19

What is the best way to contact Mr. Masannat’s team?

Accepted Answer

You can get in touch by using the contact form on the website or by emailing masannat.admin@lips.org.uk. If you need to speak to the team, you can also call his PA Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00, on +44 (0) 20 8194 8609.

Question 20

Where can I find Mr. Masannat's practice?

Accepted Answer

Mr. Masannat's practice is located at 
1- 108 Harley Street Clinic, 
2- The rapid Diagnostic Centre in 142-146 Harley street @ The London Clinic
3- OneWelbeck
4- LIPS @ Battersea Power Station, 
5- Springfield Hospital, Chelmsford 
6- Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

Question 21

How can you book a consultation with Mr. Masannat?

Accepted Answer

You can book online through the website, or you can contact the team by phone or email. Appointments are available at The London Clinic, OneWelbeck, Battersea Power Station, Springfield Hospital, and 108 Harley Street. After you submit your booking request, the team will contact you to confirm the details.

Question 22

What types of breast surgery does Mr. Masannat specialize in?

Accepted Answer

Mr. Masannat specialize in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery and Breast Reconstruction techniques. The aim is to conserve the  breast but if it is not possible, then the different options of breast reconstruction are all on offer including the patient's own tissue with DIEP or other flaps, or implants.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Do all breast lumps mean cancer?

Which breast changes should you get checked?

When should I see a breast specialist?

Can breast pain be a sign of cancer?

What is Triple Assessment

Do I need a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI?

what is a core biopsy and is it painful

How accurate are Mammograms

Which breast cancer operations might be suitable for you?

What is a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery)?

What is a mastectomy and when is it recommended?

What is a Sentinel Node Biopsy?

What breast reconstruction options could you be offered?

What is lipofilling of the Breast?

What is DCIS

What is the role of imaging in breast cancer diagnosis?

How does Mr. Masannat ensure personalized care for his patients?

Where can I find Mr. Masannat's research publications?

What is the best way to contact Mr. Masannat’s team?

Where can I find Mr. Masannat's practice?

How can you book a consultation with Mr. Masannat?

What types of breast surgery does Mr. Masannat specialize in?