Urgent Referral
-
Patients with a discrete lump in the
appropriate age group (eg. age> 30)
-
Signs which are highly suggestive of
cancer such as:
-
Ulceration
-
Skin nodule
-
Skin distortion
-
Nipple eczema
-
Recent nipple retraction of
distortion (<3 months)
Conditions that require referral but not necessarily urgently
-
Lump
-
Discrete lump in a younger women (eg age
<30 years)
-
Asymmetrical nodularity that
persists at review after menstruation
-
Abscess
-
Persistently refilling or
recurrent cyst
-
Pain
-
Intractable pain not responding to
reassurance, simple measures such as wearing a well supporting bra and
common drugs
-
Nipple Discharge
-
Age < 50 with bilateral discharge
sufficient to stain clothes
-
Age < 50 with bloodstained
discharge
- Age > 50 with any nipple discharge
Source:
Department of Health urgent referral guidelines
Guidelines
for urgent referral of patients with suspected breast cancer