After hearing about the breast symptoms, a simple physical examination will be carried out. Immediate ultrasound examination is available at some clinics. Some patients with rapid diagnosis appointments may already have had a mammogram or ultrasound examination within the previous few days in the X-ray department.

Fine Needle Aspiration (or needle test) is then helpful for most breast lumps and is carried out in the clinic. This test involves taking some cells from an abnormal area of the breast such as a lump using a syringe and needle. The needle is no bigger than the ones used to take blood, but this test can be uncomfortable. The cells are put on a glass slide and taken to the lab to be prepared and examined under the microscope by the consultant pathologist. Occasionally a larger specimen is needed for diagnosis or further information and a core biopsy is taken which involves a larger needle but which may be done with local anaesthetic.

Same-day results are available for those who go through the Rapid Diagnosis track . Results are received towards the end of that clinic so that the patient doesn't have to come back on another day for her results. She will be called in again as soon as possible after the results are received and given them by the doctor who saw her earlier, and any consequences discussed. There will be some waiting involved since these are technically demanding examinations.