What is digital mammography?

Digital mammography and tomosynthesis was first available to women in the U.S. in 2000. Unlike conventional mammography, digital mammography sends the X-ray image to a detector rather than to film. This detector then sends the acquired image to a computer processor. Digital mammography has proven to diagnose more breast cancers in women who have dense breast tissue and those who are pre-menopausal. Digital mammography uses less radiation and for some women, the workstation can produce images that would have required an additional exposure. Mammography is the most accurate screening tool in the early detection of breast cancer.

What is tomosynthesis?

Tomosynthesis is an advanced type of digital mammography that allows a 3D visualization of the breast, to better detect and characterize early signs of breast cancer. Tomosynthesis is especially useful for women with denser breast tissue, which can obscure abnormalities on standard digital mammography. All of TRG mammograms are obtained using tomosynthesis technology.

What is CAD?

Computer-aided detection (CAD) is computer software that helps the radiologist identify abnormalities in the breast. CAD reviews the digital image and will mark the suspect areas for the radiologist’s further review. CAD can be thought of as a second set of eyes when reviewing your mammogram.

What should I expect?

Your technologist will take two views from the top and then two from the side of your breast. Women who have implants will require additional views. Your breast will be compressed during the exposure between two plates. This step is very important- By compressing breast tissue to a uniform thickness, the image is more consistent and there is less likelihood that structures in the breast will overlap. The time the breast is compressed is very brief. On occasion, the radiologist will ask the technologist to do additional views of your breast to better visualize breast tissue. After the exam, our radiologist will review the images. If there are questionable findings they may recommend your physician order ultrasound or MRI to access the questionable area.

How should I prepare?

If you experience monthly breast tenderness, we recommend that you schedule your visit during a less painful time of the month. We recommend that you do not use deodorant or talc powder prior to your visit.

How do I get the results?

After your study is complete, one of our TRG radiologists will evaluate your study and report the findings to your physician. Once your physician has your results they will compare them with their clinical findings to develop your care plan.

What is a breast ultrasound?

Breast ultrasound is frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities found during a screening, diagnostic mammogram, or breast exam. Ultrasound is excellent in identifying whether a questionable area in the breast is cystic, fluid-filled, or a solid structure. These findings will determine whether a biopsy tissue sample is required for diagnosis.

What should I expect?

Breast ultrasound is performed by a sonographer. You will lie on a table and the technologist will apply a clear gel they will pass a transducer or probe over the breast to acquire images of the area. The gel provides a “smooth pavement” for the transducer’s travel and can be easily removed.

How do I get the results?

After your study is complete, one of our TRG radiologists will evaluate your study, compare it with your mammogram and report the findings to your physician. Once your physician has results they will compare them with their clinical findings to develop your care plan.

What is magnetic resonance imaging?

MRI is a powerful diagnostic imaging tool. Unlike X-ray, MRI images are produced by using two natural and harmless forces: magnetic fields and radio waves, not radiation. With the use of computers, the data acquired from your scan is transformed into two-dimensional images of your body. The procedure is painless and has no known side effects. MRI can “see” through hard bone to the soft tissues in your body like muscles and internal organs. These images are very precise, showing differences between normal and abnormal tissues.

What is MRI breast imaging?

MRI technology produces very detailed images of breast tissue and surrounding anatomy. It is used to determine the extent of disease in the breast, whether there is disease in the other breast, and as a surgical planning tool. Breast MRI is not recommended in lieu of mammography and ultrasound but as an additional diagnostic tool. Recently, screening breast MRI was recommended for women who are considered to have high-risk factors.

When should breast MRI be ordered?

Breast MRI is recommended for:

• An abnormal mammogram or ultrasound
• A positive breast biopsy
• A recent diagnosis of breast cancer
• Patients who have a strong family history of breast cancer and have dense breast tissue
• A follow-up evaluation for patients having chemotherapy
• Implant patient
• Patients who have had radiation treatments to the chest

What should I expect?

Breast MRI is a series of images that are performed while you are lying face down with your breast positioned in a breast coil. Breast MRI patients require an injection of contrast agent. MRI contrast is safe; however, there is always the remote possibility of allergic reaction. Contrast enhances the breast tissue and helps to identify cancerous areas. Breast MRI normally takes 45 minutes to an hour to perform. Afterward, you can return to your normal daily activities.

How should I prepare?

If you are still having monthly menstrual cycles, breast MRI should be scheduled on or as close to 7th day after your cycle begins. MRI is extremely sensitive to the hormonal changes of the breast. Scheduling as such lowers the likelihood of an inaccurate result. Women taking hormone replacement may be asked to stop them for a period of time.