Breast Surgery

General description of the work Consultant Breast Surgeons undertake

The Consultant Breast Surgeon is a surgeon who deals mainly with operations on the breasts. He/She deals with the detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer as well as breast reconstruction surgery following the removal of breast tumours. Breast Surgeons also deal with cosmetic breast surgery, including breast augmentation and breast reduction surgery.

Most common clinical areas / procedures leading to a claim of clinical negligence

  • Delay in the detection or diagnosis of breast cancer
  • Inadequate follow-up of suspicious breast lumps
  • Problems in the treatment of breast cancer
  • Problems with cosmetic breast operations

Sub-Specialities / Alternative and Additional job titles

The Consultant Breast Surgeon may be known simply as a General Surgeon with a special interest in Breast Surgery. He/She may be also known as a Consultant Surgical Oncologist.

Usual Qualifications

The Consultant Breast Surgeon will usually be known as Mr rather than Dr and will have FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) after his/her name.

Academic Appointments

The Consultant Breast Surgeon may be a Lecturer or Professor in Surgery at a Medical School. He/She may be an Examiner for one of the Royal College of Surgeons.