No — in Singapore you can book a private breast specialist directly, without a GP referral. Some insurance plans require a referral or pre-authorisation before they cover a consultation or surgery, so it is worth checking with your insurer first. If a GP or radiologist has already found something on a scan, bring the report so Dr Melanie Seah can plan your care.

No — most breast lumps are not cancer. The Singapore Cancer Society notes that benign breast changes are common, but a new or changing lump should still be assessed. At Melanie Seah Breast Specialist, evaluation combines a clinical examination, imaging such as ultrasound or mammogram, and a biopsy where needed to give a clear answer.

Yes — Dr Melanie Seah is a female consultant breast surgeon in Singapore. Many women prefer a female surgeon for breast concerns, and she cares for patients across screening, lump evaluation, biopsy, breast cancer surgery and reconstruction. Consultations are one-to-one at Mount Elizabeth Novena, with time to explain findings and options clearly.

Breast cancer surgery ranges from breast-conserving surgery (removing the tumour while keeping the breast) to mastectomy, often with reconstruction. Dr Melanie Seah uses oncoplastic techniques that combine cancer removal with attention to breast appearance, as well as minimally invasive and endoscopic approaches where clinically suitable. The right option depends on the type and stage of cancer, which she discusses with each patient.

Breast cancer is usually diagnosed through “triple assessment” — a clinical examination, imaging (mammogram and/or ultrasound), and a needle or core biopsy of any suspicious area. This combination gives the most reliable answer. At Melanie Seah Breast Specialist, Dr Melanie Seah arranges the relevant tests and explains the results and next steps at your consultation.

Dr Melanie Seah provides the full pathway of breast care in Singapore, from first assessment to recovery:

• Mammogram screening and ultrasound breast screening
• Breast lump evaluation — clinical examination and imaging to answer “is it cancer?”
• Breast core biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy
• Breast lump removal, including hookwire localisation and excision
• Breast cancer treatment — breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy
• Breast reconstruction and oncoplastic surgery (with associate plastic surgeon Dr Timothy Shim)
• Minimally invasive and endoscopic breast surgery, where clinically suitable
• Post-surgery physiotherapy and wound management

“I don’t stop at removing the problem — I combine surgical treatment with attention to appearance and recovery, using oncoplastic techniques and working alongside a reconstructive plastic surgeon and physiotherapists.” — Dr Melanie Seah, Consultant Breast Surgeon.

Many women prefer a female surgeon when the concern involves the breast. That preference is about comfort and communication as much as clinical care — consultations are one-to-one, findings are explained plainly, and the same surgeon guides you from screening through surgery to recovery.

Your first consultation at Melanie Seah Breast Specialist begins with a detailed history and a clinical breast examination. Dr Melanie Seah reviews any scans or reports you bring, arranges a mammogram or ultrasound if needed, and — where a lump needs a definitive answer — a biopsy. She then explains what she finds and the options, in plain language. As she puts it: “Most breast lumps are not cancer — but the only way to be sure is proper assessment: clinical examination, imaging and, where needed, a biopsy.” Bring any relevant medical documents to your visit.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore — around 1 in 12 women will develop it in their lifetime, according to the Singapore Cancer Society. Screening helps find cancer early, when there are usually more treatment options and surgery can often be less extensive. Dr Melanie Seah offers breast cancer screening with ultrasound and mammogram review, and explains when to start based on your age and risk.