Diagnostic Breast Procedures

Following a traditional screening mammogram, the radiologist team at Blanchard Valley Health System may request additional procedures to more closely view your breast tissue. This may include:

Additional Mammogram Views

This refers to magnified or more detailed X-ray views of the breast. Standing at the X-ray machine, a higher platform is placed under your breast. A smaller paddle then gently compresses your breast. This can be similar in positioning to your previous exam.

Ultrasound

A test that uses sound waves to view a breast from the inside. During an ultrasound, you lie on your back while the technician applies gel to your breast. Then, the technician rubs a small scanner across your skin. No X-ray or radiation is used. An ultrasound may help doctors determine if a lump is solid or a cyst (filled with fluid). The procedure takes about 10 to 30 minutes.

MRI

A breast MRI provides a look inside your breast without radiation or surgery. It uses a strong magnet and radio waves to produce computerized pictures. During a breast MRI, you lie face down on a table that slides slowly into a very large tube-shaped machine. As the machine scans your breast, you will hear a loud noise; however, the MRI is painless. The test takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

PET-CT

PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. A PET scan creates an X-ray photo of your body after you are given a low dose of a radioactive substance. PET scans can help diagnose the size and type of a tumor, as well as determine how a tumor is responding to treatments.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a surgical procedure that removes a small piece of tissue. The tissue is examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. There are several types of biopsies, including:

• Fine Needle Aspiration: Performed when a breast lump can be felt from outside the breast. A doctor inserts a thin needle into the lump to remove fluid or cells that are then examined under a microscope.
• Needle Biopsy: Similar to a fine needle aspiration. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into a lump to draw a tissue sample. The tissue is then examined for cancer cells.
• Stereotactic Biopsy: Used for areas of the breast that a lump cannot be felt or seen on a mammogram. During this procedure, you lie face down on a table. The technician then positions your breast through an opening in the table. An X-ray is taken to locate the biopsy area and the doctor uses a hollow needle to remove tissue samples. This procedure is generally done when microcalcifications are seen on your mammogram. It takes about 45 minutes.
• Needle Localization: When a lump is hard to find, your doctor sees something suspicious on an X-ray, or there is no distinct lump, needle localization can help your doctor learn more about a suspicious area. A radiologist places a thin needle into your breast while X-rays are taken. These X-rays guide the needle to the area that your doctor wants to examine further. The needle helps guide your surgeon to the area to be removed.
• Ultrasound Biopsy
• MRI Biopsy