Breast Imaging - Service Descriptions
Breast Imaging - Service Descriptions
What is a mammogram and why is it so important?
A mammogram is an xray examination of the breasts. The procedure takes approximately a half an hour. The patient stands in front of an x-ray machine while their breasts are compressed between two plastic plates. This may be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it helps to get a clear image. X-rays are taken of each breast. Mammography may detect tumors in an early stage, before they are large enough to be felt. Because of this, mammography has saved thousands of lives.
What is a breast needle localization?
A breast needle localization is a simple procedure during which a wire is inserted to mark the exact position of an abnormality in the breast. This procedure is used when the breast abnormality cannot be palpated, and appears only on the mammogram. The localization is done just prior to the excisional biopsy performed by a surgeon. This increases the surgeon’s ability to remove all of the abnormal tissue while reducing the removal of healthy tissue. Mammogram films are taken during the procedure to ensure exact placement of the wire. After wire placement, the patient will have the excisional biopsy done, usually on an outpatient basis at Riverside Community Hospital.
What is a stereotactic biopsy?
A stereotactic breast biopsy is a procedure using a needle to extract tissue samples from an abnormality seen on a mammogram. Guided by computer images, and using local anesthesia the Radiologist is able to take a sampling of the abnormality. The procedure only takes approximately one hour, there is no significant scarring, and there is much less recovery time than an excisional biopsy. The samples removed will be sent to the pathology laboratory for diagnosis. Results are usually available within 2 days.
What is an ultrasound or sonogram?
An ultrasound or sonogram of the breast is a procedure in which high frequency sound waves are painlessly projected into the breast and the pattern of echoes is interpreted. This is used to evaluate breast masses detected on physical examination or mammography. Ultrasound is used to differentiate cysts from solid masses.
What is a galactogram or ductogram?
A galactogram is a technique used for imaging the nipple and areola area ducts. A small amount of dye is injected into a pore of the nipple and then a mammogram is performed. This procedure is used when a patient has an abnormal nipple discharge.
What is an aspiration or fine needle biopsy of the breast?
An aspiration or fine needle biopsy of the breast is a procedure in which a thin needle is inserted into a mass. Fluid or cells will be extracted depending on whether the mass was fluid-filled or solid. Ultrasound is used to guide the Radiologist to the exact location of the mass. Local anesthesia is used during the aspiration.
What is an Ultrasound Guided Core Biopsy?
An ultrasound guided core biopsy of the breast is used when a mass is visualized on ultrasound and determined to be solid. Ultrasound guides the Radiologist in taking samples of the mass using a needle. Local anesthesia is used and there is no significant scarring. The samples taken are the same type taken during a stereotactic breast biopsy. The only time this type of biopsy is performed is if the mass is not seen on a mammogram, and only visualized on ultrasound.
