What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring any previous imaging studies such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI scans, along with any prior pathology or biopsy reports. It also helps to have a brief note of your symptoms and your personal and family medical history. If you take regular medication, a list of those is useful too.

Will I have an examination on the first visit?

Usually yes. A clinical breast and underarm examination is gentle, painless, and takes only a few minutes. You are welcome to ask for a chaperone to be present, and you will always be treated with respect for your comfort and privacy throughout.

Can I bring someone with me?

Of course. Many women find it reassuring to have a partner, family member, or friend present, both for emotional support and to help remember the information discussed. You are never expected to face the appointment alone.

What happens after the first visit?

It depends on the findings. In many cases reassurance and routine follow-up are all that is needed. If further evaluation, imaging, or a biopsy is advisable, we arrange it promptly and explain each step. Every decision is made together with you, with no pressure and full information.

Your First Visit to the Breast Surgeon | Dr. Papadoliopoulou, Breast Surgeon

What to expect

The first visit is an organized and welcoming process. Our goal is to help you understand your situation, answer all of your questions, and plan the next step with confidence.

There is no need for fear — even if there is a finding, the majority are benign, and most evaluations involve preventive assessment.

Before the visit

To make your visit as effective as possible:

Bring any previous imaging studies (mammography, ultrasound, MRI) if available.
Note your symptoms, their duration, and any changes you have observed.
Bring your personal and family health history.

A list of questions helps ensure that no concern is left unaddressed. It is also worth noting the date of your last menstrual period and any hormonal treatment you are taking, as these can influence how breast tissue appears on examination and imaging. There is no special preparation required and you do not need to fast; simply wear clothing that is easy to change, since you will be asked to undress from the waist up for the examination.

The process during the visit

Medical history — We discuss your personal and family history, any symptoms, and previous examinations.
Clinical breast and axillary examination — Palpation and visual inspection are performed. It is painless and takes only a few minutes.
Review of imaging studies — We review previous mammograms or ultrasounds, identify any abnormalities, and discuss their assessment.
Planning the next steps — If additional evaluation, biopsy, or follow-up is needed, we establish a timeline and method. In every case, the decision is made together with you, with full information provided.

Questions worth asking

You are encouraged to ask anything that is on your mind, and no question is too small. Many women find it helpful to come prepared with a few key questions: What did the examination and any imaging show? Do I need further tests, and if so, why? If a biopsy is suggested, what does it involve and when will I have the results? What are the possible explanations for my finding, and how likely is each one?

If a condition is identified, it is reasonable to ask what the treatment options are, whether surgery might be involved, and what the expected timeline looks like. Writing down the answers, or having someone with you to take notes, makes it easier to absorb the information calmly afterward.

Emotional support and what happens after

It is completely natural to feel anxious before a first appointment, and acknowledging that openly is part of good care. A clear explanation of your situation, free of jargon, is often the most powerful way to ease worry. You set the pace of the conversation, and you are entitled to as much time as you need.

After the visit, you will leave with a clear understanding of your situation and a defined plan. For most women this means reassurance and a recommendation for routine breast screening at appropriate intervals. When further steps are needed, they are organized without unnecessary delay, and you will always know who to contact with questions in the meantime.

If results from any tests are pending, we agree in advance on how and when you will be informed, so that the waiting period is as predictable as possible. Continuity matters: the same care that begins at your first visit follows you through every subsequent step, so you are never passed from one stranger to another at a difficult moment.

What to remember

The first visit is informative and guiding — it does not mean a cancer diagnosis.
The majority of women visiting a breast surgeon for the first time are found to have benign conditions or are undergoing preventive screening.
An honest discussion about fears, concerns, and options reduces anxiety and strengthens your participation in your own healthcare.

A note from the surgeon: It is important that you feel comfortable discussing anything that concerns you. Knowledge and timely evaluation give you strength and control — fear does not need to be part of the process.

For general, trustworthy information on breast health from an authoritative source, you may find the World Health Organization’s breast cancer resources helpful.