The presentation and management of breast symptoms in general practice in South Wales

Citation
Agk. Edwards et al., The presentation and management of breast symptoms in general practice in South Wales, BR J GEN PR, 49(447), 1999, pp. 811-812
Citations number
10
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine
Journal title
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
ISSN journal
09601643 → ACNP
Volume
49
Issue
447
Year of publication
1999
Pages
811 - 812
Database
ISI
SICI code
0960-1643(199910)49:447<811:TPAMOB>2.0.ZU;2-K
Abstract
Although there is increasing interest in the primary care management of bre ast disorders, there are few data on their presentation and management. Thi s study recorded presentation rates of breast symptoms in 34 general practi ces in South Wales. These ranged from 1.9 to 14.8 patients per GP per year (median = 6.5): 46.4% with breast lump, 28.2% with breast pain, 16.2% with lumpiness and 5.5% with nipple discharge. Fifty-five per cent of all patien ts were referred, substantially more than previously recorded. Some referra ls for breast disease may be 'inappropriate' according to current managemen t guidelines.