breast Imaging

Digital Mammography

Mammography is an x-ray exam used to obtain images of the breast. It is a highly useful tool in the early detection of breast cancer because it can show abnormalities in the breast tissue before the patient or doctor can feel it. Screening and diagnostic mammography can aid in the detection and diagnosis of breast diseases, lumps, cysts and benign and malignant tumors.

Where do you offer this procedure?

Who is this procedure for?

A mammogram is recommended once every year for women over the age of 40 to screen for breast cancer or any other breast diseases. Results can appear in a mammogram up to two years before they are visible by the patient or doctor. Early detection is one of the best forms of protection against breast cancer, and will help improve the effectiveness of treatment. A mammogram may also be performed on patients who have detected a lump in the breast in order to further evaluate the area of concern.

How should I prepare for this procedure?

Before a mammogram, patients should report any abnormal findings in the breast to their doctor, so that the doctor can pay special attention to these areas. This procedure should not be scheduled during your period, since the breasts may be tender at this time.

There are no special preparations needed for this procedure, but the doctor asks that you please do not wear deodorant or lotion under you arms or on your breasts, and to bring the results of prior mammograms with you, if possible.

What happens during the procedure?

During the procedure, the breast is placed on a small platform and compressed with a paddle while it is exposed to a very low dose of radiation. Images are then displayed on a computer screen or printed on special film. Digital mammography allows images to be produced by electrical signals similar to those used in digital cameras. These signals are converted into images that appear on the computer screen. The entire mammogram procedure takes about 30 minutes to perform.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Mammography allows doctors to detect small tumors that are easier to treat than larger, more developed tumors. This procedure can also detect small abnormal growths in the milk ducts of the breast, known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Early removal of these growths will remove the risk of future harm.

A mammogram is considered a safe procedure with no major side effects and no radiation left in the body after the exam. Many women benefit from this procedure every year as it detects breast cancer in its earliest stages and allows for a quick and thorough removal in many cases.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging test used to examine inside the breast utilizing high-frequency sound waves that create images of the breast tissue. These images are captured in real time and can show the movement of the blood flowing through blood vessels in the area.

Where do you offer this procedure?

Who is this procedure for?

A breast ultrasound is commonly performed after breast abnormalities are found during a physical examination or mammogram. This procedure can be used to determine the cause of breast symptoms, monitor the size of a cyst, diagnose a cyst or lump in the breast, or guide the placement of a needle for a biopsy or drainage procedure. A breast ultrasound should not be performed in place of a mammogram, but should instead be a supplemental test to further evaluate any potential problems.

What happens during this procedure?

During the breast ultrasound procedure, gel is placed on the breast to help the transducer pick up sound waves as it is moved back and forth across the breast. The patient lies on her back with her arms raised above the head. An image of the breast tissue appears in real-time on a computer monitor. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on if other procedures are being performed at the same time.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

A breast ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure that involves no preparation or discomfort. It provides doctors with real time images of the breast in order to help detect and diagnose abnormalities, offering a clear picture of soft tissues that may not show up on x-ray images. This procedure does not expose the patient to any iodizing radiation.

Stereotactic Mammotome Biopsy

Although abnormalities in the breast can often be detected by physical examination or mammography, these tests do not determine whether the abnormal findings are benign or malignant, an important factor in diagnosing and treating the condition. A breast biopsy may be recommended to remove some of the abnormal tissue and examine it under a microscope. This minimally invasive procedure is done with the help of image guidance, and is known as a stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy.

Where do you offer this procedure?

Who is this procedure used for?

A stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy is typically performed after abnormalities are found on a mammogram, and can help further diagnose solid masses, calcium deposits, distorted breast tissue, and other mammogram findings.

What happens during the procedure?

During a stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy, the patient will lie facedown on a stereotactic table with the breast hanging through an opening. Mammographic images of the breast are taken from two different angles to help the radiologist pinpoint the location of the abnormality, before injecting a local anesthetic and then the biopsy needle.

Your radiologist will use a vacuum-assisted core needle, which removes large cores of tissue containing the calcification or nodule using a suction device. Tissue is removed swiftly through a small incision in the skin. In some cases the entire abnormality is removed. The needle is then removed from the area and a final set of images will be taken. A small metallic marker may be left at the biopsy site if it appears that the entire abnormality may have been removed. This will aid in identifying the area if further intervention is necessary.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

A stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy is a less invasive alternative to surgical biopsy and offers patients accurate results through a procedure that leaves less scarring and is less expensive. Patients can resume their regular activities shortly after. This procedure does not leave any radiation in the body and typically does not cause any side effects either.

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