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.
   
• Stereotactic Biopsy: This biopsy is generally done when micro-calcifications are seen on your mammogram. During this procedure, you will be sitting upright in a chair while your breast is positioned and compressed to take a 3D image of your breast. After viewing the 3D images, the radiologist is able to pinpoint the exact location of the area to be biopsied. Only a local anesthetic is needed for this procedure; you will not be sedated. The radiologist will then take multiple tissue samples through a single skin nick. A biopsy marker will be placed to mark the site in your breast where the samples were retrieved. You can expect to be in our building for approximately 90 minutes.
   
• Wireless Localization: This type of procedure places a small, wireless device in your breast to help direct your surgeon to the area of concern that will be removed in surgery. This wireless device can be placed either under Ultrasound guidance, or mammography with a local anesthetic; this will be determined by your surgeon and the radiologist. This is a quick procedure that does not need to occur immediately before surgery. A wireless device can be placed days to weeks prior to scheduled surgery at your convenience. You can expect to be in our building for approximately one hour.
   
• Ultrasound Biopsy: A type of needle biopsy where a physician obtains several, small tissue samples under ultrasound guidance through a single skin opening. Only a local anesthetic is needed for this procedure; you will not be sedated. For this procedure, you will be positioned on your back with a pillow to support your head and neck; however, you may be tilted on your side to allow for better positioning and visualization of the area of concern within your breast. After the samples have been taken, a biopsy marker will be placed to mark the site in your breast where the samples were retrieved. You will typically just need a Band-Aid following the procedure. You can expect to be in our building for approximately 90 minutes. 
   
• MRI Biopsy: A type of needle biopsy where a physician obtains several, small tissue samples under MR guidance through a single skin opening. Typically, only a local anesthetic is needed for this procedure. You will not be sedated; however, you may obtain a prescription from your provider to help ease any anxiety prior to arriving for your scheduled procedure. For this procedure, an IV will be placed in your arm for contrast administration. You will be lying on your stomach with your breasts through an opening in the table throughout the duration of the biopsy. You can expect to be in our building for approximately 90 minutes.