--- title: "Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Breast Clinic Tests & Results" description: "Learn what happens at a breast clinic, including examination, mammograms, ultrasound and biopsy, how results are shared and questions to ask your team." url: https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-diagnosis/ robots: noindex --- # Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Breast Clinic Tests & Results [Baca informasi dalam Bahasa Indonesia →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/id/pemeriksaan-dan-biopsi/) Breast health information Learn what happens at a breast clinic, including examination, mammograms, ultrasound and biopsy, how results are shared and questions to ask your team. ## Quick answer Diagnosing breast cancer involves physical examination, imaging and a tissue biopsy — a process often called triple assessment. Your clinic will explain which tests you need and when to expect results. **Your next step:** see a GP (or your doctor, if you live outside the UK) about any new breast or chest change. These guides explain general information; your care team can advise on your own situation. [Already diagnosed? Find your next steps and prepare questions for your care team →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/newly-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer/) **Content updated:** 8 September 2026 . Independent clinical review has not yet been recorded for this page. [How we prepare health information](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/) · [Report an error](https://breastcancer-charity.org/corrections/) At a glance Your GP can refer you to a breast clinic for further assessment; ask the referral team what to expect Triple assessment (examination + imaging + biopsy) is the standard UK diagnostic process Biopsy results typically take 10–14 days Not all suspicious findings are cancer — the majority of referrals do not result in a cancer diagnosis ## Being referred to a breast clinic If your GP suspects breast cancer, they may refer you urgently to a breast clinic for assessment. A referral does not mean you have cancer. The clinic will explain which tests you need and when results should be available; contact your GP or referral team if you have not heard about your appointment. ## Triple assessment The standard diagnostic process in the UK is the triple assessment, which combines three components: - Clinical examination: A doctor examines both breasts and the lymph nodes in the armpits and collarbone area. - Imaging: A [mammogram](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-screening/) (X-ray of the breast), ultrasound, or both. Ultrasound is particularly useful for younger women with denser breast tissue. MRI may be used in specific circumstances. - Biopsy: If imaging shows anything suspicious, a core needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This determines whether cancer cells are present and, if so, what type and receptor status they have. ## Understanding your biopsy results Biopsy results typically take around 10–14 days. They will confirm whether cancer is present, the type (e.g. invasive ductal, lobular), the grade (1–3), and receptor status (ER, PR, HER2). This information directly shapes the treatment plan. ## Further tests (staging scans) If cancer is confirmed, further tests may be ordered to check whether it has spread. These include CT scans (chest, abdomen, pelvis), bone scans, MRI scans, and PET-CT scans. Not all patients need all tests — your team will advise based on the size and type of your cancer. ## Frequently asked questions How long does breast cancer diagnosis take on the NHS? The timing depends on your referral, the tests you need and your local service. A breast clinic may carry out examination, imaging and a biopsy where needed. Ask the team when you should receive results and whom to contact if you have not heard back. Does a lump always mean cancer? No. The vast majority of breast changes — including lumps — are not cancer. Most lumps are benign cysts, fibroadenomas or other non-cancerous changes. However, any new lump or change should be checked by a GP, who can refer you for triple assessment. Only a biopsy can definitively confirm whether cancer is present. What is a core needle biopsy? A core needle biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed from the suspicious area using a hollow needle, usually under local anaesthetic and guided by ultrasound. The sample is sent to a laboratory where a pathologist examines it to determine whether cancer cells are present and, if so, the type, grade and receptor status. ## Sources and further reading - [NHS: symptoms of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) - [NHS: tests and next steps for breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/tests-and-next-steps-for-breast-cancer-in-women/) - [NHS: biopsy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/biopsy/) - [NHS inform: breast cancer in women](https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/breast-cancer-in-women/) - [NICE NG12: suspected breast cancer referral](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12/chapter/Recommendations-organised-by-site-of-cancer#breast-cancer) - [NICE NG101: pretreatment assessment](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng101/chapter/Recommendations#pretreatment-assessment) This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our [editorial policy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/). ## Keep reading [Support ### Where can I get breast cancer support in the UK?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/breast-cancer-support/) [🎗️ ### What are the symptoms of breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-symptoms/)[📊 ### What do the stages of breast cancer mean?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-stages/)[💊 ### What treatments are used for breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-treatment/)