Breast imaging uses a wide variety of tools and technologies to screen, detect, and diagnose breast cancer. If cancer is detected, these tests help find the type of cancer, as well as determine the stage and location of the cancer.
A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breasts. It can be used either for breast cancer screening or for diagnostic purposes, such as to investigate symptoms or abnormal findings on another imaging test.
Mammograms play a key role in breast cancer screening. They can detect breast cancer before it causes signs and symptoms.
Heritage Valley Health System’s board-certified mammography technologists pay special attention to optimal technique, body positioning, and breast compression to minimize your exposure to radiation during the mammogram.
Screening mammography is a routine preventative measure recommended once a year for women aged 40 and above.
Diagnostic mammography evaluates a specific problem such as an abnormality on a recent screening mammogram or a new patient concern such as pain or a lump.
3-D mammography also known as digital breast tomosynthesis is the newest and most advanced technology in mammography and allows for improved early cancer detection.
Breast ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. It is used for a closer look at findings seen on a mammogram as well as patient concerns such as lumps. Ultrasound can demonstrate whether a mass is a solid mass or a cyst.
Heritage Valley Health System breast sonographers have special training in performing breast ultrasounds to achieve the most accurate images.
Breast ultrasound is a standard, painless additional test to evaluate areas of concern found on a mammogram or breast exam.
For women and men with a breast cancer diagnosis, and for those at high risk of breast cancer, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI can provide the clearest, most detailed pictures of the breast. This radiation-free imaging technology creates 3-D images of the breasts that we use in screening, staging, treatment response evaluation, and pre-surgery planning.
This test typically lasts around 45 minutes and requires you to lie still for best results. Heritage Valley Health System’s board certified technologists provide comfort measures that include eye covers, warm blankets, and noise-cancelling headphones.
A breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure in which we remove a sample of breast tissue from your breast. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. We use imaging technology to precisely pinpoint the biopsy area and to guide the needle to the same area. The size, shape, and location of the tumor determine if the exam will be performed using ultrasound, stereotactic or MRI guidance.
Stereotactic breast biopsy is a procedure that uses computer technology to guide a needle to an abnormality seen on mammography.
ABUS ultrasound is a technology that assists in evaluating dense breast tissue as a compliment to mammography.
RSL is a small radioactive marker placed into the breast under imaging guidance by the radiologist that is detected by the surgeon in the operating room. This allows precise localization of breast abnormalities and can be done up to 5 days prior to surgery.
Before arriving
During the exam
At the testing facility, you're given a gown and asked to remove neck jewelry and clothing from the waist up.
For the procedure itself, you stand in front of an X-ray machine specially designed for mammography. The mammographer places one of your breasts on a platform and raises or lowers the platform to match your height. Your head, arms and torso are positioned in order to allow an unobstructed view of your breast.
Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn't harmful, but it can cause some discomfort. Tell the mammographer if the discomfort becomes too much.
Your breast must be compressed to even out its thickness and permit the X-rays to penetrate the breast tissue. The pressure also holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement and minimizes the dose of radiation needed. During the brief X-ray exposure, you'll be asked to stand still and hold your breath.
After the exam
After images are taken of both your breasts, you may be asked to wait while your care team checks the quality of the images. If the views are inadequate for technical reasons, you may have to repeat part of the test. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Afterward, you may dress and resume your usual activities.
Results
Brighton’s board certified radiologist studies your breast imaging exam(s) and reports the results to your doctor.
Brighton's committed team provides patients with access to advanced imaging services including full field digital mammograms as well as digital breast tomosynthesis (also known as 3D mammograms), breast ultrasound including traditional hand-held breast ultrasound as well as automated 3D volumetric breast ultrasound (GE ABUS), and breast MRI services. Our physicians also perform image guided breast biopsies under ultrasound, stereotactic and MRI guidance as well as Radioactive Seed Localization (RSL) of nonpalpable breast abnormalities for preoperative planning.
Our offered services include: