Prof. Hilal Ünal, MD

Prof. Hilal Ünal, MD is a breast clinic specialist in the Breast Health Department at Acibadem Dr. Sinasi Can (Kadikoy) Hospital in İstanbul. Her clinical work centers on breast cysts, breast screening and breast pain. With more than 59 years in medicine, she brings a background in general surgery and a long academic career to the assessment of patients with breast-related concerns, with an emphasis on careful evaluation and clear explanation of findings.

Dr. Ünal graduated from İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1967 and completed her General Surgery training at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 1972. She was appointed Professor at the same faculty in 1982. From 1976 to 2010 she worked at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, and from 1983 to 1984 she spent a period at St Thomas’ Hospital. In 2010 she joined Acıbadem Healthcare Services. She is a member of the Senologyc International Society, the World Society for Brain Health, the Turkish Surgical Association, the Breast Science (Senology) Association and the Federation of Breast Diseases Associations.

Clinical focus

Dr. Ünal’s practice addresses three common reasons patients seek a breast specialist. Breast cysts are changes in breast tissue that are often identified on examination or imaging; her role includes evaluating such findings, discussing what they may mean for the individual patient and advising on whether follow-up or further assessment is appropriate. Breast screening involves reviewing a patient’s history and any existing imaging, discussing the timing and type of screening that may be suitable and explaining the results in understandable terms, so that patients can make informed decisions about ongoing care.

Breast pain is another frequent concern that brings patients to the clinic. Dr. Ünal assesses the nature, location and pattern of the pain, considers possible contributing factors and, where needed, recommends further evaluation. Throughout, the aim is a cautious, individualized assessment in which findings are explained clearly and options are discussed with the patient rather than presented as a single fixed course. Patients are encouraged to bring questions, and time is given to reviewing what each finding does and does not indicate.

How Dr. Ünal works with international patients

Dr. Ünal consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for patients who speak other languages. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, arranges appointments and organizes the hospital visit. A first consultation typically covers the patient’s history and symptoms, a review of existing imaging and previous treatments, a clinical examination and a discussion of the options. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their situation before traveling or to follow up afterward, although a clinical examination and any imaging require an in-person visit.