Breast Surgery

Breast Surgery is a clinical subspecialty that handles a wide range of conditions involving the breast and nipple which affects both men and women of all age groups. The Breast Centre at Changi General Hospital (CGH) was first established in 2008 with the merger of both the Breast Clinic and the Mammosuite (Breast Radiology) to provide a one-stop integrated and holistic care for all our breast patients.

Over the years, there has been an improvement of technology and equipment to allow for better assessment of breast lesions and early detection of cancer. This has also been coupled with surgical advancement with the entry of oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques for cancer treatment. In 2015, our Breast Centre was appointed as one of the assessment centre under BreastScreen Singapore (Health Promotion Board Breast Cancer Screening Programme). Under this nationwide scheme, women with abnormal mammogram findings are able to visit our Centre to be further evaluated.

Our surgeons’ specialise in evaluating and treating common and complex benign breast conditions as well as cancers while screening for early detection. They work closely with various disciplinary teams comprising of Breast Radiologists, Medical and Radiation oncologists from National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), Breast Care Nurses and allied health staff such as medical social workers (MSW) to manage cancer patients.

Our doctors are also committed to clinical research in the field of breast cancer and are involved in multi-centre clinical trials across the island.

Apart from clinical activities and patient care, medical education has been one of our focuses. Our doctors conduct public forums for the community and work in close collaboration with Singapore Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Foundation to maintain the awareness for screening and early detection. We also organise regular talks for practitioners in polyclinics and GP clinics to keep them abreast of the available treatment modalities at our Centre.

Clinical Services

• Screening and early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women
• Personal individualised clinical assessment
• Detailed radiological evaluation: digital mammography, 3D-breast tomosynthesis, ultrasonography, ultrasound elastography and breast MRI
• Minimally invasive breast biopsy: Stereotactic, ultrasound or MRI guided core biopsy and vacuum assisted breast biopsy (VAB)
• Wire localisation of occult breast lesions for surgical biopsy
• MammotomeR biopsy of small benign breast lesions
  

Breast cancer

• Cancer curing surgery: Wide local excision or mastectomy, including sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary surgery
• Oncoplastic and Breast reconstructive surgery
• Specialist breast care nurse support for peri-operative and post-operative care
• Multidisciplinary care for Breast Cancer
• Breast Counseling Services
• Breast Support Group events
• On-site Medical Social Worker
• Positive Appearance Service: fitting & purchase of breast prosthesis and undergarments
• On-site consultation with Breast Medical & Radiation Oncologists from NCCS
• Pre-operative (neoadjuvant) treatment programme
  
• Genetic counselling and testing to young and/or high risk patients
  

Resources