Mammography / Breast Imaging
Mammography and other forms of breast imaging play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer. The U.S. Department of Health, the American Cancer Society, The American Medical Association and the American College of Radiology recommend annual screening mammography for women beginning at age 40.
There are two basic types of Mammography: 1) a screening mammogram in which 2 basic views of each breast are taken and 2) a diagnostic mammogram which utilizes additional views if there is a symptom, family history, or finding on screening mammography. Below is a listing of the comprehensive women’s imaging services available at GRC.
Screening Mammography
Mammography can detect lumps too small or too deep to feel. During the procedure, an x-ray machine sends a small amount of radiation through your breasts to produce an image which is later examined.
Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic mammography is an x-ray exam of the breasts that is performed in order to evaluate a breast complaint or abnormality detected by physical exam or routine screening mammography. Diagnostic mammography is different from screening mammography in that additional views of the breast are usually taken, as opposed to two views typically taken with screening mammography. The goal of diagnostic mammography is to pinpoint the exact size and location of a breast abnormality and to image the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. In many cases, diagnostic mammography will help show that the abnormality is highly likely to be benign (non-cancerous). When this occurs, the radiologist may recommend that you return at a later date for a follow-up mammogram, typically in six months. However, if an abnormality seen with diagnostic mammography is suspicious, additional breast imaging (with exams such as ultrasound) or a biopsy may be ordered. Biopsy is the only definitive way to determine whether a woman has breast cancer.
Stereotactic Biopsy
Stereotactic breast biopsy is a safe and minimally invasive form of breast biopsy. It is used to obtain tiny samples from an abnormal breast mass for examination by a pathologist. Biopsies are the only definitive way to confirm that a breast abnormality is benign (non-cancerous) or not. Stereotactic breast biopsy is an alternative to open or surgical biopsy. A sample of suspect breast tissue is precisely located with a computer-guided imaging system and removed with a needle. At the GRC Comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center, the procedure is completed on an out-patient basis with a minimum of discomfort and recovery time.
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound may be used to evaluate palpable findings or as an adjunct to mammography. These images are recorded and displayed on a monitor. The ability to visualize a finding on sonography greatly facilitates performing a biopsy, if required. Breast ultrasound may also be helpful in evaluating breast symptoms in younger patients, where mammography may be inappropriate.
Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy
Ultrasound maybe used to evaluate suspicious masses within the breast. Tissue specimens are acquired using a vacuum assisted device. Breast Biopsy is also performed as an out-patient procedure at GRC, avoiding the need for surgery.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI has become an important adjunct to mammography and breast ultrasound in recent years. While mammography detects many breast cancers, its sensitivity is limited. Breast MRI uses molecular signals to look for cancers that may be too subtle to identify on mammography or ultrasound. Few outpatient facilities have this capability. While breast MRI is very sensitive, it can sometimes detect lesions that mammography and ultrasound cannot see. As such, the ability to perform breast MRI biopsies makes breast MRI much more clinically relevant and we are confident that virtually all lesions identified can be sampled.
Ductography
Ductography (also called galactography or ductogalactography) is a special type of contrast enhanced mammography used for imaging the breast ducts. Ductography can aid in diagnosing the cause of abnormal nipple discharge and is valuable in diagnosing intraductal papillomas and other conditions. Papillomas are wart-like, non-cancerous tumors with branchings or stalks that have grown inside of the breast duct; they are the most common cause of nipple discharge.
Preparation and Prevention
Women should perform a monthly self breast examination and have a clinical breast exam performed by their Gynecologist or Primary care Physician annually.
- Mammography should be scheduled after your period.
- On the day of you procedure, do not wear any deodorant, talcum powder or lotion in the breast or underarm area.
- Bring any prior mammography films you may have and give them to the technologists before your study begins.
- Tell the technologist if you have implants or any pain, lumps, nipple discharge, etc.
- As with all radiological procedures patients should inform the technologist if there is any chance of pregnancy or if you are nursing.
To access information about our women’s imaging services including pre-registration information, please visit the forms section of our website.
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