Breast and Endocrine Surgery in Melbourne: What Patients Should Know Before Seeing a Specialist
If your GP has referred you to a breast or endocrine surgeon, or you have had an abnormal mammogram, breast ultrasound, thyroid ultrasound, biopsy, or blood test result, it is natural to have questions about what happens next. Being referred to a specialist can feel unsettling, but it is a normal step that gives you access to specialist assessment and, where needed, planned surgical care.
This article explains what breast and endocrine surgery involves, the common reasons people are referred, what to expect from the first consultation through to recovery, and how patients across Melbourne can access care at Adeney Private Hospital in Kew. It is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or specialist.
For patients in Melbourne considering breast surgery, thyroid surgery, or parathyroid surgery, understanding the referral pathway can make the next step clearer.
What Does a Breast and Endocrine Surgeon Do?
Breast and endocrine surgery is an area of general surgery that covers two related fields. Breast surgeons assess and treat breast cancer, benign lumps, breast changes, and the results of biopsies and imaging. Endocrine surgeons treat the hormone producing glands, most commonly the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and in selected cases the adrenal glands.
These areas are often grouped together because they require specialist surgical training and close coordination with imaging, pathology, endocrinology, oncology, and other care teams. A referral to this type of surgeon usually follows a scan, test, or examination finding that needs specialist review. Seeing a surgeon is often about investigation and planning, and not every patient will need an operation.
If you are looking for a breast surgeon in Melbourne or an endocrine surgeon in Melbourne, your GP can help direct your referral based on your symptoms, test results, and preferred hospital pathway.
Common Reasons for Seeing a Breast Surgeon
People are referred to a breast surgeon for a range of reasons. Common ones include a breast cancer diagnosis, an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound, or a new breast lump that needs assessment and any unusual changes to the breast and surrounding areas. Many referrals relate to benign breast lumps, such as a fibroadenoma or cyst, which are not cancerous but may still need investigation or monitoring.
Other reasons include nipple or skin changes, or breast pain where further assessment is appropriate. It is worth remembering that seeing a breast surgeon does not always mean surgery is required. In many cases the surgeon arranges further tests, provides an explanation of the findings, and advises whether treatment is needed at all. Depending on your diagnosis, your surgeon will explain the options that apply to your situation.
Common Reasons for Seeing an Endocrine Surgeon
Endocrine referrals often follow the discovery of a thyroid nodule, an enlarged thyroid or goitre, or a scan or blood test that raises a question about thyroid function. Some patients are referred with suspected or confirmed thyroid cancer, or with an overactive thyroid that may require surgery when other treatments are not suitable.
On the parathyroid side, referrals commonly relate to hyperparathyroidism or abnormal calcium levels, sometimes caused by a parathyroid adenoma. Selected adrenal gland conditions may also be assessed by an endocrine surgeon. Whether surgery is recommended depends on your diagnosis, your symptoms, your test results, and specialist advice. Your surgeon and GP can advise on the most appropriate next step for you.
What Happens Before Surgery?
While every patient is different, the steps before surgery usually follow a similar order.
It generally begins with a GP referral, followed by a specialist consultation. At that appointment the surgeon reviews your imaging, blood tests, biopsy, or pathology results, and may arrange further tests if required. They will discuss whether surgery is needed and, if it is, explain the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected recovery so you can make an informed decision.
If surgery is recommended and you decide to proceed, the specialist rooms and hospital team arrange the booking and admission. This is also the stage to ask about costs, so you understand any fees before your procedure. Not every patient will need surgery, and your surgeon will explain the reasoning behind any recommendation.
Common Breast Surgery Procedures
There are several procedures a breast surgeon may discuss, depending on the diagnosis. Breast conserving surgery, sometimes called a lumpectomy, removes the affected area while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. A mastectomy removes the whole breast and may be recommended in certain cases. A sentinel lymph node biopsy checks whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and is often carried out at the same time as cancer surgery. For benign conditions, a surgeon may recommend excision of a breast lump.
The right procedure depends on your diagnosis, the size and location of any tumour, imaging and pathology findings, your own preferences, and multidisciplinary advice where relevant. Your surgeon will explain which options apply to you and why.
Common Endocrine Surgery Procedures
Endocrine procedures vary according to the gland involved and the condition being treated. A thyroidectomy removes the whole thyroid gland, while a hemithyroidectomy removes one side. A parathyroidectomy removes an overactive parathyroid gland, which is often the treatment for hyperparathyroidism. Selected adrenal procedures may be recommended for certain adrenal gland conditions.
Thyroid surgery is performed close to nerves involved in voice function, so your surgeon will discuss specific risks and precautions before surgery. As with any operation, outcomes vary between patients, and your surgeon will explain what you can reasonably expect in your case.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery and During Recovery
Before your operation, your specialist and the hospital team will provide fasting and admission instructions and confirm which medications to continue or pause. You will usually meet the anaesthetist, who reviews your health and discusses the anaesthetic.
Some breast and endocrine procedures are done as a day procedure, while others involve an overnight stay, depending on the operation and your recovery. After surgery you will receive guidance on wound care and pain relief. Pathology results, where relevant, are usually discussed at a follow-up appointment, which also allows the team to check your healing and plan any further care.
Return to work and everyday activity varies by procedure and by individual. Some people resume light activity within a week or two, while more involved surgery takes longer. Your surgeon will give you advice based on your procedure and circumstances, including when it is safe to drive, lift, and return to exercise, and your GP or specialist can advise if you have concerns during recovery.
Breast and Endocrine Surgery at Adeney Private Hospital in Kew Melbourne
As a private hospital serving all of Melbourne and Victoria, Adeney also welcomes patients travelling from anywhere in Australia seeking quality, planned surgical care. Located at 209 Cotham Road, Kew, Adeney Private Hospital is a trusted leader in providing surgical care to patients across Melbourne’s inner east, including Hawthorn, Camberwell, Balwyn, Box Hill, and the wider Boroondara and Stonnington areas.
Adeney Private Hospital works with accredited breast and endocrine surgeons. Patients can view current specialists, consulting locations, and referral details on the Our Doctors page. To be seen at Adeney, ask your GP for a referral. The specialist rooms and hospital team can then guide you through consultation, booking, admission, and cost estimate steps, and provide care in a private hospital setting, with support before and after admission.
Costs are an understandable concern. Eligible Medibank and Bupa members may be able to access care at Adeney Private Hospital with no out-of-pocket hospital fees for any part of their inpatient services, subject to their level of cover, served waiting periods, fund rules, and any applicable excesses or exclusions. The hospital and specialist rooms can help you understand what your fund covers and provide a cost estimate before you commit to a procedure.
If you already have a referral, the next step is usually to contact the specialist rooms or view Adeney’s current breast and endocrine specialists on the our doctors page. If you are unsure whether private care is appropriate, your GP can advise whether referral to a private specialist is suitable for your situation.
Next Steps if You Have Been Referred
If your GP has already referred you for breast or endocrine surgery, you can use the referral to contact the specialist rooms and confirm consultation, admission, and cost estimate steps. Patients who are still considering their options can ask their GP whether referral to an Adeney Private Hospital specialist is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a breast and endocrine surgeon do?
A breast and endocrine surgeon assesses and treats conditions of the breast, such as cancer, benign lumps, and breast changes, and conditions of the hormone producing glands, particularly the thyroid and parathyroid glands. They work alongside imaging, pathology, and other specialists to plan appropriate care.
Do I need a GP referral to see a breast or endocrine surgeon?
In Australia you generally need a referral from your GP to see a specialist surgeon and to claim any Medicare rebate you may be entitled to. Your GP is the best first point of contact if you have a symptom or an abnormal test result.
Does seeing a breast surgeon mean I have breast cancer?
No. Many people are referred to a breast surgeon for benign conditions or for further assessment of a scan or lump. Seeing a surgeon is often about investigation, and not every referral leads to a cancer diagnosis or to surgery.
When might thyroid surgery be recommended?
Thyroid surgery may be considered for a thyroid nodule that needs removal, a large goitre, suspected or confirmed thyroid cancer, or an overactive thyroid where other treatments are not suitable. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on your diagnosis and specialist advice.
What is parathyroid surgery used for?
Parathyroid surgery is often used to treat hyperparathyroidism, where one or more parathyroid glands become overactive and raise the calcium level in the blood. Removing the overactive gland can address the underlying cause. Your surgeon can explain whether this applies to you.
Will I need to stay overnight after breast or endocrine surgery?
It depends on the procedure. Some operations are carried out as a day procedure, while others involve an overnight stay so the team can monitor your recovery. Your surgeon and the hospital team will let you know what to expect for your operation.
How long does recovery usually take?
Recovery varies by procedure and by individual. Some patients return to light activity within a week or two, while more involved surgery takes longer. Your surgeon will advise on wound care and returning to work.
What costs should I ask about before surgery?
It can help to ask about surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, and any costs for tests or pathology. Ask whether you will have any out-of-pocket expense and request a written cost estimate. Your specialist rooms and health fund can help you understand the details.
Can I use private health insurance for breast or endocrine surgery?
Private health insurance may cover part or all of the hospital costs, depending on your level of cover, waiting periods, and fund rules. Eligible Medibank and Bupa members may be able to access care at Adeney Private Hospital with no out-of-pocket hospital, surgical, anaesthetist, pathology, radiology or hospital pharmacy fees, subject to their level of cover, served waiting periods, fund rules, and any applicable excesses or exclusions. Check with your fund and the hospital before your procedure.
How do I access breast and endocrine surgery at Adeney Private Hospital?
Patients considering breast surgery, thyroid surgery, or parathyroid surgery in Melbourne can ask their GP whether a referral to an Adeney Private Hospital specialist is appropriate. You can view current specialists and referral details on the Our Doctors page. Once a referral is made, the specialist rooms can guide you through consultation, booking, admission, and cost estimate steps.
Ready to Discuss Your Next Step?
If you have been referred for breast or endocrine surgery, ask your GP whether referral to an Adeney Private Hospital specialist is appropriate. Once a referral is made, the specialist rooms can guide you through consultation, booking, admission, and cost estimate steps.
Call (03) 7049 5000 or contact Adeney Private Hospital.