PATIENTS with benign breast lumps have had their treatment significantly transformed by Hillingdon Hospital.

New equipment allows for benign lumps to be removed within minutes, without requiring any intrusive surgery or leaving post-operative scarring.

Dr Emma Hughes, radiology consultant, said: “The procedure so far has been well accepted by patients and avoids the requirement for day admission and general anaesthesia.

“It is also managed completely by the radiology team, which frees up time and resources for the breast care team.”

The treatment removes lumps by making a small incision and using a needle probe to remove the abnormal tissue until no longer visible on ultrasound.

The procedure could previously only be performed with open surgery and under general anaesthetic, meaning patients had to be admitted to allow for recovery time.

Hillingdon Hospital is among a growing number of hospitals to adopt the new technique, though it is still not standard practice around the UK.

The procedure also saves time and money,which can be invested back into the hospital.