Access to the initial assessment within one working day
Breast Diagnostic Pathway
A breast change
or BI-RADS 4/5:
answers within
7 working days
A diagnostic pathway that brings together senology, radiology, pathology and oncology — so you know what to do, how long it will take, and who to turn to.
Likely benign or suspicious finding indicated on the day of the biopsy*
Final diagnosis and clinical plan presented in consultation**
Senology, radiology, medical oncology, pathology and specialist nursing.
* Applies to ~75% of biopsy cases. ** Timing may vary depending on the specifics of each case.
Who this is for
For women with a breast symptom that needs answers.
Designed for women with a suspicious breast finding or a BI-RADS 4/5 result to clarify — with two possible entry points.
01With documented results
I already have a BI-RADS 4 or 5 result
For women whose imaging already reports a BI-RADS 4 or 5 finding. Our team reviews the documentation and books direct entry into the Diagnostic Assessment Day for the biopsy.
- Send your imaging and radiology report for clinical triage
- Clinical review before scheduling
- Direct entry into the Diagnostic Assessment Day — no prior assessment needed
- Biopsy performed on the same day
02Without documented results
I have a breast symptom or change, with no recent imaging
For women with a palpable lump, a breast change or another breast symptom, but no recent imaging on file. The pathway begins with the initial assessment, scheduled by Wednesday.
- Urgent breast assessment consultation when there is no prior referral
- Breast imaging with tomosynthesis + AI
- BI-RADS result the same day
Not sure which one applies to you?
Our team will help you find the right next step — so you know which entry point fits your case.
When something changes in the breast, two clocks start ticking.
Diagnosis takes clinical time. Anxiety doesn't.
How it works
A pathway built around three stages.
Each situation has its own entry point: initial breast assessment, diagnostic assessment day, and definitive results — within 7 working days.
Where does your pathway begin?
Stage 02
02
by Friday
Diagnostic Assessment Day
- Biopsy
- Preliminary pathology reading the same day
- Senology consultation + nursing
Stage 03
03
by the following Friday
Definitive Results
- Results consultation
- Integrated final report
- Treatment or surveillance plan
Stage 01
01
by Wednesday
Initial Breast Assessment
- Breast imaging with tomosynthesis + AI
- BI-RADS result the same day
Stage 02
02
by Friday
Diagnostic Assessment Day
- Biopsy
- Preliminary pathology reading the same day
- Senology consultation + nursing
Only if the result is BI-RADS 4/5
Stage 03
03
by the following Friday
Definitive Results
- Results consultation
- Treatment or surveillance plan
Stage 01
01
by Wednesday
Initial Breast Assessment
- Breast assessment consultation
- Breast imaging with tomosynthesis + AI
- BI-RADS result the same day
Stage 02
02
by Friday
Diagnostic Assessment Day
- Biopsy
- Preliminary pathology reading the same day
- Senology consultation + nursing
Only if the result is BI-RADS 4/5
Stage 03
03
by the following Friday
Definitive Results
- Results consultation
- Treatment or surveillance plan
What it means
The BI-RADS classification
An international scale used in mammography and ultrasound to categorise breast findings and guide clinical decisions. From BI-RADS 4 onwards, a biopsy is typically indicated.
1–2
Benign
3
Probably benign
4–5
Suspicious
6
Confirmed malignancy
What to expect
What this pathway makes possible — and what it doesn't replace.
What it makes possible
- Breast imaging within 24 hours and biopsy the same week
- Preliminary findings on the day of the biopsy — pathology on site
- Immediate confirmation that the sample is adequate — no repeat procedures
- Multidisciplinary decision-making, with nursing support throughout
Worth knowing
- In ~75% of cases, a preliminary indication is given the same day — either likely benign (easing anxiety) or suspicious (allowing next steps to start sooner)
- In ~25% of cases, no immediate indication is possible — you'll need to wait for the definitive result, and further tests may be required (e.g. MRI)
What it isn't
- Not a routine screening programme — it doesn't replace annual surveillance
- Doesn't guarantee a definitive diagnosis on the same day — the final biopsy result always takes up to 7 working days
- Doesn't remove the need for further tests when clinically indicated
The Diagnostic Assessment Day
The day your case is reviewed together.
When a biopsy is indicated, we bring into a single day what elsewhere can take weeks to coordinate.
Personal Welcome
You're welcomed by the specialist nurse. We confirm your documentation and walk you through the day before anything begins.
Targeted Procedure
Your biopsy is guided by ultrasound or stereotaxy, and vacuum-assisted where indicated. The technique is defined in advance, based on your imaging. The sample is handed directly to the Germano de Sousa pathologist who is on site that day.
Pathology Reading
Your sample is prepared, stained and read under the microscope at the Clinic. The aim is a preliminary indication — likely benign or suspicious — accompanied by a preliminary report issued the same day.
Multidisciplinary Review
Radiologist, pathologist, senologist and nurse review your clinical, imaging and histology data together. The guidance you receive has already been discussed — and agreed — as a team.
Senology Consultation
The senologist (breast specialist) and nurse share the preliminary diagnosis and clinical direction with you. You won't leave without knowing what the next step is.
Definitive Result
An in-person or video consultation with the senologist — and with the medical oncologist when indicated — to receive the definitive diagnosis and agree, together, on the treatment or surveillance plan.
The Real Innovation
On the day of the biopsy, a preliminary pathology reading is carried out at the Clinic — in ~75% of cases this lets us indicate, that same day, whether the finding is likely benign or suspicious of malignancy. The sample then goes to the Germano de Sousa laboratory for the definitive result (within 7 working days).
The team behind your case
Who steps in at each stage of the pathway.
Each specialist comes in at the right moment: triage, procedure, integrated reading, and clinical direction.
Nursing
Organises your clinical documentation, prepares the welcome and stays close to you from the start of the pathway to the end.
Radiology
Reviews external imaging, decides whether further breast imaging is needed, and plans the biopsy approach when indicated.
Pathology
Examines the sample on site and provides preliminary guidance when the reading allows.
Senology & Oncology
Diagnosis and clear framing of next steps. When clinically indicated, medical oncology joins the pathway.
Céu Barros
Specialist Nurse
Welcome, preparation and continuity between stages.
Céu Barros
Specialist Nurse
Welcome, preparation, support on the Diagnostic Assessment Day, and continuity across every contact, test and consultation.
Maria Manuel Monteiro
Radiologist · Head of Department
Breast imaging interpretation and biopsy planning.
Maria Manuel Monteiro
Radiologist · Head of Department
Breast imaging interpretation, biopsy planning when indicated, and integration with the wider clinical team.
Sara Valadares
Senologist · Breast Health
Clinical consultation, definitive results and next steps.
Sara Valadares
Senologist (Breast Specialist) · Breast Health
Clinical assessment, guidance consultation and presentation of the definitive results, with clear definition of next steps.
Miguel Esperança Martins
Medical Oncologist · Breast Cancer
Joins the pathway when the diagnosis calls for it.
Miguel Esperança Martins
Medical Oncologist · Breast Cancer
Clinical guidance and treatment planning whenever the diagnosis calls for medical oncology to be involved.
Rui Caetano Oliveira
Pathology
Leads the pathology team on site during the Diagnostic Assessment Day.
Rui Caetano Oliveira
Pathology
Coordinator of the pathology team that analyses the biopsy sample on the day of the diagnostic assessment.
Official partner | Germano de Sousa
Pathology on site
On the Diagnostic Assessment Day, a member of the Germano de Sousa pathology team is present at Clínica Mulher. In ~75% of cases this allows a preliminary indication — likely benign or suspicious — before the end of the day.
Care shows in the space itself: light, quiet, privacy — and a team that knows what to do next.
Frequently asked questions
What's useful to know at this stage.
No web page replaces a clinical assessment. These answers help to frame the pathway — our team always confirms what applies to your specific case.
First contact
Pricing & tests
No referral is required. Our team gathers the essential information and tells you whether to start with the initial breast assessment or with a triage of your existing documentation.
Our team gets back to you within 24 working hours. We ask only for the essential information, understand your starting point, and propose the most appropriate pathway — including whether any prior documentation needs to be gathered before you move forward.
No. The entry fee covers the senology consultation (with the breast specialist), specialist nursing, and pathway coordination. Imaging, biopsy, pathology and any additional consultations are assessed case by case and quoted before anything goes ahead.
Yes. When there is a documented BI-RADS 4 or 5 result, our radiology team reviews the information before confirming whether your case can move directly into the Diagnostic Assessment Day.
Some procedures may be partly covered by Portuguese private insurers (Multicare, AdvanceCare) or through their partner networks. Our team confirms what applies and goes through the costs with you before anything else takes place. International insurance is often eligible for reimbursement — we issue detailed invoices you can submit to your insurer.
Assessment day
Results & safety
You're welcomed by the nursing team and, when indicated, the biopsy takes place at the Clinic. The sample is analysed during the procedure itself. At the end of the day, the senologist (breast specialist) shares the clinical guidance with you and defines next steps.
In around 75% of cases, a preliminary diagnostic indication is given the same day. The definitive histopathology result is then presented in consultation within 7 working days.
In some cases, the definitive result has to be awaited, or further tests are needed. The team will explain the reason — on its own, this does not signal anything more concerning about your case.
The results consultation presents the definitive diagnosis and clinical direction. Next steps are explained clearly before any decision is made. When clinically indicated, medical oncology joins the pathway.
The consultation explains the diagnosis, how it corresponds to the imaging, and the appropriate surveillance or treatment plan when needed. You leave with clear guidance on what to do next.
If you experience severe pain, fever, spreading redness, bloody discharge, sudden worsening or general unwellness, please seek urgent medical care. In Portugal, dial 112 or go to the nearest emergency department. Contacting the Clinic is not a substitute for emergency services.
Trusted partners
Check the cover with your insurer, or get in touch with us for further information.
Enter the pathway
The next step is simple.
Get in touch or leave your details. We'll review your case, walk you through what's needed, and agree on the best path for you.
Would you like us to call you?
Leave your name and number. Our team will be in touch within 24 working hours.
This form does not replace medical care. In an emergency, call your local emergency services (112 in Portugal).
