Mammography

According to the American Cancer Society guidelines, all women age 40 and over should have screening mammography. Mammography has proven to reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients with breast cancer due to early detection. 

During a mammogram, each breast is compressed between two plates and a low-dose X-ray image is made.  This exam takes about 20 minutes to complete. A board certified radiologist will read the x-ray, looking for any signs of abnormal tissue. While a mammogram can identify areas of abnormal tissue, it cannot determine if cancer is present. A biopsy is necessary to confirm whether the abnormal area is cancerous. A mammogram, however, is the most effective screening method available today. A screening mammogram is used to look for breast disease in women who have no symptoms. A diagnostic mammogram evaluates the breasts of a woman who has symptoms, such as a lump, or whose screening mammogram shows an abnormality.

If a biopsy is indicated, there are a couple options your physician may choose to best access the suspicious area:

• Stereotactic Core Breast Biopsy — A test that uses a special computer to guide a needle to an abnormality seen on a mammogram. A large percentage of these abnormalities are benign and present no health risks. This biopsy is a non-invasive, accurate way to obtain the tissue sample required for diagnosis. The procedure requires little recovery time and there is usually no significant scarring to the breast.
• Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy — Under ultrasound guidance, the physician can locate and take tissue samples required for diagnosis. This technique offers no radiation exposure, little discomfort and no significant scarring to the breast.

Advanced technologies now available at Rush-Copley:

CAD Technology

Computer-aided detection (CAD) technology is used to assist the radiologist with providing the most accurate readings possible. The CAD system aims to decrease the false-negative rate of mammography by applying an algorithm to the digital data of a mammogram, to identify potential abnormalities. The radiologist is directed to these potential abnormalities and then determines whether or not the patient should be recalled for additional evaluation. With screening mammograms, our radiologists strive to give same-day results to the patient, before they exit from their appointment.

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry is the latest and most accurate method for measuring bone loss, often associated with osteoporosis. With an X-ray densitometer, fracture risk can be diagnosed early, allowing for customized treatment for each patient. While general X-ray is unable to detect osteoporosis until bone loss reaches 30 percent, bone densitometry can detect as little as a one to three percent loss with one-tenth the radiation exposure of a chest X-ray.

MRI Breast Biopsy

With dedicated MRI equipment and proper coils, this biopsy can be done safely and accurately for individuals who may have inconclusive mammograms but have a strong family history of breast cancer.