Frequently Asked Questions
A collection of common questions about our services, diagnosis, treatment of breast disease and breast cancer, and costs — so that patients and families have clear information before visiting Namarak Breast Specialty Hospital. If you have further questions, you can contact our team anytime.
About Namarak Hospital
Q: Is Namarak a hospital or a clinic?
A: Namarak is a full breast specialty hospital, not a clinic. Although it is compact in size, it is a hospital with inpatient wards (patients can stay overnight), standard operating rooms, modern diagnostic and treatment equipment, and a team of specialist physicians and nurses who care for patients throughout the treatment process.
Q: What specialty is Namarak Hospital?
A: Namarak is Thailand's first dedicated breast specialty hospital, providing comprehensive care for breast disease and breast cancer — from screening, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, hormone and targeted therapy, through to follow-up and recovery — by a team of breast specialists.
Q: Can Namarak treat breast disease and breast cancer through every stage?
A: Yes, every stage. Namarak provides care from screening and diagnosis (mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy), surgery (both breast-conserving and reconstructive), intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) in the hospital's operating room, chemotherapy, hormone and targeted therapy, through to long-term follow-up and physical and emotional recovery. For external beam radiotherapy that requires multiple ongoing sessions, the hospital has a network of partner hospitals for referral and coordination, so patients receive continuous, complete care at every stage.
Q: Does Namarak have inpatient wards and operating rooms?
A: Yes. Namarak has inpatient wards for patients who need to stay overnight, and standard operating rooms with anesthesia and surgical teams, supporting surgery for breast disease and breast cancer, including intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT).
Q: What days and hours is Namarak Hospital open?
A: Namarak is open every day. You can check the hours of each department or make an appointment in advance by phone at +66 2 059 0245 or via LINE @namarak.
Q: Are there services for international patients?
A: The hospital offers services for international patients, including language coordination and travel information. You can contact us in advance via LINE or email to arrange an appointment.
Appointments and Preparation
Q: Do I need to make an appointment before coming for an examination?
A: We recommend booking in advance for convenience and to reduce waiting time. You can book by phone, LINE, or the appointment form on our website. For urgent cases, you can contact our staff directly.
Q: What channels can I use to make an appointment?
A: You can book through several channels: phone +66 2 059 0245, LINE @namarak, the appointment form on our website, and the hospital's Facebook Messenger.
Q: Is there a second opinion service?
A: Yes, there is a second opinion service for those who want more confidence in a diagnosis or treatment plan. You can bring your previous results and treatment history to consult with the hospital's specialist physicians.
Breast Examination and Diagnosis
Q: At what age should I start breast cancer screening?
A: The general recommendation is that women begin screening with a mammogram at around age 40. However, those with a family history of breast cancer or high risk may need to start earlier. Consult a doctor to plan the screening that suits you.
Q: What is the difference between a mammogram and a breast ultrasound?
A: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that shows calcifications and small abnormalities well, while ultrasound uses sound waves and is suitable for distinguishing fluid-filled cysts from solid masses, and for dense breasts. The doctor may use both together for a more accurate diagnosis.
Q: Is a mammogram painful?
A: During the examination, the breast is compressed to get a clear image, which may cause brief tightness or mild discomfort, but it is generally not harmful. If you are concerned, you can tell the staff so they can adjust accordingly.
Q: What should I do if I feel a lump in my breast?
A: Most breast lumps are not cancer, but they should be examined by a doctor for peace of mind. We recommend seeing a doctor for a physical examination and further tests, such as ultrasound or mammogram, as appropriate. Do not ignore it or worry excessively.
Q: What is a biopsy, and is it necessary?
A: A biopsy is taking a tissue sample for pathological examination, to confirm what type a lump or abnormality is. It is an important step for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will consider its necessity based on imaging results and the characteristics of the abnormality.
Q: How long do biopsy results take?
A: The time depends on the type of test, but generally takes several days to about a week. The hospital will arrange an appointment to discuss the results and plan care together.
Disease and Treatment
Q: Is every breast lump cancer?
A: No. Most breast lumps are benign, such as cysts or ordinary fibrous lumps. However, they should be evaluated by a doctor to distinguish them and to provide appropriate care.
Q: Can breast cancer be cured?
A: Breast cancer detected at an early stage has a good chance of successful treatment. Regular screening and seeing a doctor promptly when there are unusual symptoms increase the chances of treatment. Treatment plans vary according to the stage and type of disease — consult a doctor for individual information.
Q: What treatment methods for breast cancer are available at Namarak?
A: Namarak provides all treatment methods for breast disease and breast cancer, which are often used in combination: surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. For radiotherapy, the hospital can provide intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) in the operating room, while external beam radiotherapy that requires ongoing sessions is supported through a network of partner hospitals for referral. The doctor will plan treatment to suit the stage, type of cancer, and each patient's physical condition, with continuous coordinated care.
Q: Does breast surgery always mean removing the entire breast?
A: Not always. Today there is breast-conserving surgery (keeping the breast) for suitable patients, as well as breast reconstruction options. The doctor will consider the most appropriate method based on the characteristics of the disease and the patient's wishes.
Q: Does everyone lose their hair after chemotherapy?
A: Side effects depend on the drug regimen used. Some chemotherapy regimens cause hair loss, some do not. The doctor will explain the possible side effects according to each patient's regimen, and there are ways to help relieve symptoms.
Q: Can I still live normally during treatment?
A: Many patients can still carry out daily activities during treatment, although at times they may need to adjust their lifestyle according to symptoms and side effects. The medical and nursing team will give advice to help patients care for themselves and maintain the best possible quality of life.
Q: Is breast cancer hereditary?
A: Most breast cancers are not directly caused by genetics, but those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer may be at higher risk. In some cases, the doctor may recommend genetic testing to assess risk and plan care.
Costs, Insurance, and Coverage
Q: How much does examination and treatment cost?
A: Costs vary according to the type of examination and treatment. You can ask about basic service fees by phone at +66 2 059 0245 or via LINE @namarak before your visit, so you can plan ahead.
Q: Does the hospital accept health insurance?
A: The hospital accepts private health insurance from many partner insurance companies. You can check the list of insurance companies and details of coverage on the health insurance information page, or ask the Insurance Relations department before your visit.
Q: Can I use fax claim insurance?
A: Patients with private health insurance from partner companies can use fax claim according to the conditions of each policy. We recommend informing us of your insurance and preparing documents before your visit, so the Insurance Relations department can coordinate in advance.
Q: Can I use Universal Coverage (Gold Card) or Social Security?
A: We are sorry, but Namarak Hospital does not accept Universal Coverage (Gold Card) or Social Security benefits. Patients can use self-pay services, or use private health insurance from partner companies. If you have questions about costs, you can ask in advance at +66 2 059 0245.
Q: What documents should I prepare when using insurance?
A: Generally, you should prepare your ID card, insurance card/policy, and documents related to your healthcare coverage. We recommend informing us of your coverage and preparing documents in advance, so that using your benefits goes smoothly.
Q: Where can I contact for complaints or suggestions?
A: You can contact us by phone at +66 2 059 0245, email info@namarak.com, LINE @namarak, or in person at the information desk. The complainant's information is kept confidential and does not affect treatment.
