West Middlesex Breast Unit

The West Middlesex Breast Unit provides specialist diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care for people with breast conditions, including breast cancer and benign breast disease.

Most patients are seen through our one-stop rapid access breast clinics, which provide timely assessment, investigation and onward care where needed. The unit sees around 100 new patients each week and treated approximately 300 people with breast cancer in 2025.

Care is delivered by a dedicated multidisciplinary team (MDT) who work closely together to provide personalised, evidence-based care throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

One-stop breast clinic (GP referrals)

Your GP may refer you to the one-stop breast clinic if you have symptoms such as a breast lump, breast pain or nipple discharge.

At your appointment, you will be seen by a member of the Breast Unit team. If needed, you may also have tests on the same day, including:

  • a mammogram
  • an ultrasound scan
  • a biopsy

You should expect to be in clinic for 3 to 4 hours.

Depending on the results, you may be:

  • reassured on the day, or
  • asked to return on another day for your results

Further information

NHS Breast Screening Programme referrals

We see patients who have had a routine mammogram through the NHS Breast Screening Programme and require further treatment.

Our team

Care is provided by a specialist multidisciplinary team including:

  • consultant breast surgeons
  • consultant breast radiologists
  • consultant breast oncologists
  • advanced nurse practitioners and trainee advanced nurse practitioners
  • Macmillan breast care nurses and breast support workers
  • specialist radiographers and mammographers
  • service management, coordination and administrative staff

The team works collaboratively to ensure coordinated care, clear communication and continuity throughout each patient’s pathway.

Breast surgery

Breast surgery is carried out on site at West Middlesex University Hospital. Most patients are able to go home on the same day.

Following surgery, patients are supported by the nursing team during early recovery, including a follow-up phone call within the first 24 hours after surgery.

Procedures may include:

  • breast-conserving surgery (including lumpectomy, wide local excision and therapeutic mammoplasty)
  • mastectomy, with or without reconstruction
  • breast reconstruction using implants or your own tissue
  • axillary (armpit) surgery, including sentinel node biopsy and axillary clearance
  • symmetrising surgery, such as breast reduction or breast lift

Drug treatment and radiotherapy

Some patients may need additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy. Your care team will discuss the most appropriate options with you and explain what to expect.

Support services

People affected by cancer can access additional support through The Mulberry Centre, based at West Middlesex University Hospital.

Contact information

West Middlesex Breast Unit
West Middlesex University Hospital
Twickenham Road
Isleworth
Middlesex
TW7 6AF