Medical
Imaging - Breast
Imaging (mammography, ultrasound and MRI)
Information for patients
Breast imaging is a specialized field in radiology
that studies the breast. In some patients, procedures are performed
in the breast imaging division to either obtain a sample of tissue
or to help find an abnormality in the breast for the surgeon.
All breast imaging at Columbia Memorial Hospital is performed
by board-certified radiologists with subspecialty training in
this area.
• Mammography
• Breast Ultrasound and
Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy
• Needle Wire Localization
Mammography
• What
is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts. In a routine screening
mammogram, two pictures of each breast are taken. Mammograms
are performed with a special x-ray machine and special film designed
to provide the best possible pictures with the least amount of
radiation. To achieve this, the breasts are compressed briefly
during the exam. The examination is performed by a technologist
who has special certification in mammography. After the pictures
are obtained, they are interpreted by a board certified radiologist.
Radiologists may request additional x-ray pictures or a breast
ultrasound to better evaluate particular areas. Most of the time
these additional images reveal that a finding is benign. It is
important for the radiologist to compare your current mammogram
with prior studies.
• What
should I bring?
If your prior mammograms were not performed at Columbia Memorial
Hospital, either bring the previous films with you or let our
secretary know where it was done when you book your examination.
• How
should I prepare for a mammogram?
Do not wear deodorant or anti-perspirant on the day of your
mammogram because they may interfere with the mammographic
images.
• How
do I get my results?
Our mammography facilities are certified by MQSA and the American
College of Radiology (ACR) and by the FDA. Your doctor will
be sent the results of your mammogram within 24 hours, however
often times the results are sent to him right away.
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Breast
Ultrasound and
Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy
• What
is a breast ultrasound?
Breast ultrasound is a test using sound waves to image a palpable
lump or an abnormality seen on a mammogram. The exam is performed
by a certified technologist and interpreted by a board certified
radiologist. Ultrasound does not produce any radiation. To
perform the study, the technologist places gel on the breast and scans
it with an ultrasound probe, which is just like a fancy microphone.
No preparation is needed for a breast ultrasound. Our ultrasound
machine is especially designed for breast imaging.
Ultrasound
Guided Breast Biopsy
• What
is an ultrasound guided breast biopsy?
If a breast ultrasound reveals an abnormality, a biopsy (tissue
sample) may be required for diagnosis. A large percentage
of these abnormalities are benign and present no health risk. An
ultrasound guided biopsy is a non-invasive, accurate way
to obtain the tissue sample required for diagnosis. The procedure requires
little recovery time and there is no significant scarring
to the breast.
• What
should I expect from an ultrasound guided breast biopsy?
The ultrasound guided breast biopsy is performed by a board
certified radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. The
radiologist
is assisted by an ultrasound technologist who also specializes
in breast imaging. This team has experience in these biopsies.
Before you arrive, the radiologist will have studied your imaging
exams to become familiar with the location of the abnormality.
After checking in, you will be asked to change into a hospital
gown and escorted to the biopsy suite. Occasionally, additional
images may be obtained before the procedure for more precise
evaluation. The technologist will ask you to lie down on the
examination table, making sure you are as comfortable as possible.
• How
is an ultrasound guided breast biopsy performed?
The first part of the procedure will seem much like your original
breast ultrasound. Your breast will be scanned and the technologist
and radiologist will mark your skin over the abnormality.
The
radiologist will clean your breast with antiseptic. Next, the
radiologist
will numb the part of the breast to be biopsied
by injecting a local anesthetic. This is done with a tiny needle,
and you may feel a stinging at this point. After the local anesthetic
has taken effect, the radiologist will make a tiny incision (usually
less than ¼ of an inch). Using the ultrasound image as
a guide, the biopsy needle is placed through the abnormality.
Typically, five biopsy samples (cores) are obtained.
• How
should I prepare for an ultrasound guided breast biopsy?
In order to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure,
we recommend that patients not take any aspirin product for seven
days prior to the procedure and not take any ibuprofen product
(such as Advil or Motrin) for two days prior to the procedure.
If you are on prescription blood thinning medication such as
coumadin or aspirin, please consult your physician prior to scheduling
this exam.
• What
should I expect after the ultrasound guided breast biopsy?
While you rest for a few minutes, a dressing is applied to
the biopsy site. The radiologist will then discuss what to
expect
after the examination and what to do when you get home. You will
also receive written post procedure instructions. Most women
feel fine after the procedure. Tylenol may be used for relief
of any discomfort. However, we recommend exercise or strenuous
activity be avoided for twenty-four hours after the procedure.
If possible, it’s a good idea to go home after the procedure
and relax.
• How
do I get the results of the ultrasound guided breast biopsy?
The tissue samples will be sent to a pathologist after the
biopsy. The pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope
and
send a report to your doctor within a few days. If you do not
have a scheduled follow-up appointment to discuss the results,
give your doctor a call to arrange this.
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Needle
Wire Localization
A
needle wire localization is a procedure which is sometimes
performed immediately prior to breast surgery. It is performed
to mark an area of the breast which correlates with an abnormality
on either mammography or breast ultrasound.
Needle wire localization may be performed with guidance provided
either by mammography or breast ultrasound. The radiologist
will
decide which guidance is appropriate.
What
to expect
The breast is cleaned with antiseptic. Using either mammography
or breast ultrasound as a guide, a small needle is placed in
the breast through the abnormality. Once the position of the
needle is confirmed, a small wire is placed through the needle
and the needle removed. The wire will be secured with a dressing
when you exit to the surgical suite. During the breast surgery,
the wire and the surrounding tissue will be removed.
For
more information about general radiology at Columbia Memorial
Hospital, call 518.828.8228
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