Women’s Imaging

Mammography overview Mammography uses a low-dose X-ray system and high-contrast, high-resolution film for examination of the breasts. It plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers and can detect 85 to 90 percent of breast cancers in women. Breast Ultrasound Ultrasound of the breast is generally used in conjunction with mammography: in the presence of dense breast tissue, to further assess a palpable lump, or for an abnormality detected on mammography. It is a painless and safe examination. Breast ultrasound can be used as a primary examination in young patients, but is not recommended as a replacement for mammography in patients older than 40. Ultrasound is also used to guide biopies or cyst aspirations, and for lesion localization prior to surgical excision. MRI of the breast overview Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the structures within the breast. It is primarily used as a supplemental tool to breast screening with mammography or ultrasound. It may be used to screen women at high risk for breast cancer, evaluate the extent of cancer following diagnosis, or further evaluate abnormalities seen on mammography. Breast MRI does not use ionizing radiation, and it is the best method for determining whether silicone breast implants have ruptured. Bone Mineral Density Scan (BMD) overview: BMD scans are simple, safe, and painless. Bone Mineral Density scans are extremely precise and are one of the most accurate methods available for measuring bone density. Using ultra-low dose x-ray, the BMD machine scans and measures bone mineral density at various parts of the body, usually the lumbar spine and hips. This highly sensitive test enables us to identify bone loss early and determine whether you are at risk for fracture, by comparing your bone density to your own age group and to a younger age group. The higher the density, generally, the lower the risk of fracture. We can also monitor your response to treatments for osteoporosis by checking your bone density regularly. Please ensure that follow up BMD’s are scanned at the same facility as comparisons can only be done on the unit your previous scan was performed. Routine evaluations every two years may be needed to see a significant change in bone mineral density, decrease or increase. Few patients, such as patients on high dose steroid medication, may need a follow-up at six months.