New circuit: breast diagnosis becomes faster in Portugal

Senology, imaging exams, face-to-face pathological anatomy and medical oncology – all in an integrated clinical week.

A breast assessment It usually lasts between weeks and months. It goes through the initial consultation, imaging tests, biopsy and anatomopathological reading, distributed by providers in phases.

Time is now being shortened (as is the woman’s anxiety): the Breast Diagnosis Circuit was created.

The Clínica Mulher circuit takes time 7 working daysfrom suspicion to diagnosis.

Senology, imaging exams, face-to-face pathological anatomy and medical oncology – all with specialized nurses, and all in just over an integrated clinical week. When it would take weeks or months.

In around 75% of cases, it is possible to preliminary clinical guidance on the day of biopsy. The definitive diagnosis is presented in consultation up to 7 working days later, reads a statement from Clínica Mulher.

Already first stage, The pre-assessment may include a breast assessment consultation (if there is no prior medical indication) and a complete breast study: mammography with 3D tomosynthesis, double reading assisted by artificial intelligence and complemented by high-definition breast ultrasound. The BI-RADS result is delivered on the same day.

In the same week, the woman can proceed to diagnostic evaluation, all in one day: biopsy, anatomopathological analysis and multidisciplinary meeting.

As already mentioned, in most situations (75%), there is still preliminary clinical guidance on the nature of the lesion, benign or malignant.

Already next step: surveillance, referral for treatment or additional studies, when indicated.

This circuit is for women with a suspicious breast symptom or with a breast change to be clarified. Women with documented BI-RADS 4 or 5 can directly access the Diagnostic Assessment Day. Women without recent exams start with a pre-evaluation, with an evaluation consultation (when there is no medical prescription) and a breast study on the same day.

The circuit does not replace oncological treatment.