Breast Health Diagnostics

From Screening to Answers: How Breast Health is Assessed 
Breast imaging is often the first step in understanding breast health, typically beginning with routine screening and followed by additional imaging if anything needs a closer look. These tools help detect changes in breast tissue—often before they can be felt—and identify areas that may require further evaluation. When something appears suspicious, imaging guides the next step, helping your care team determine whether a biopsy is needed to provide clear answers and inform the best path forward.
 
 

Mammogram

A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of the breast used to find early signs of breast cancer. It is a quick and common imaging tool that provides your physician with clear, layered views of your breast tissue.

What to expect:

  • You will undress from the waist up, remove any jewelry, and are given an exam robe.
  • You will stand in front of the machine, and a radiology technician will position one breast at a time between two plates.
  • The plates will then gently compress the breast for a few seconds to get clear images, this can sometimes cause discomfort.
  • The imaging process can take about 20 minutes, after which you can resume your day.

 

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is used to help your doctor see inside the breast to find the cause of lumps, pain, or abnormalities, especially in dense breasts. The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the breast tissue.

Types of Ultrasounds:

  • Targeted Ultrasound: Focuses on a specific area of concern.
  • Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (AWBU): Captures images of the entire breast, offering comprehensive screening.

What to expect:

  • You will undress from the waist up, removing any jewelry.
  • The radiology technician will have you lie on an exam table.
  • Water-based gel will be applied to your breast.
  • The technologist will use a small, handheld transducer on the breast.
  • This will create real-time images on a screen.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images to screen high risk women, assess cancer extent, check on implants, or evaluate dense breasts.

What to expect:

  • You lie face-down on a padded table with openings for your breasts.
  • A contrast dye (gadolinium) is usually injected into an IV to highlight abnormal tissues.
  • The machine is noisy, so earplugs are provided.
  • Lying still and breathing normally is crucial for clear images.
  • The scan itself typically takes 30-60 minutes, with contrast given during the scan.

When something appears suspicious, imaging guides the next step, helping your care team determine whether a biopsy is needed to provide clear answers and inform the best path forward. Learn more about biopsy procedures here. (LINK TO BIOPSY PAGE)