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Imaging Imaging is an important component used to diagnose breast cancer and to evaluate the stage and extent of disease in breast cancer patients. Three major types of imaging are used in this capacity: mammography, ultrasonography, and breast MRI. Based on these exams, your physician may determine that no treatment is necessary or may recommend further tests or therapy.
Screening Mammography: A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast. This is the best test we have to screen women for breast cancer. A Screening Mammogram consists of two "pictures" of each breast. If an area on the mammogram looks suspicious or is not clear, additional mammograms with different views may be needed. Annual screening mammography is recommended for all women over 40 years old.
Diagnostic Mammography: This is a mammogram used for problem-solving, rather than for screening. For instance, if a patient has a lump in her breast, a directed investigation of that area is performed. This is also done when a particular finding in the breast is being followed over time. A Diagnostic Mammogram is tailored to the patient's case and is carefully monitored by a radiologist, who interprets the images and determines whether there is any need for further tests.
Ultrasonography: Using high-frequency sound waves, ultrasonagraphy can often show whether a lump is solid or filled with fluid. This exam may be used along with Diagnostic Mammography or MRI to answer questions about a specific area of the breast. Because it uses sound waves instead of X-Rays, ultrasound provides information which is different and often complementary to the mammogram.
Breast MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used to look specifically at the breast. Each exam produces hundreds of images of the breast, cross-sectional in all three directions (side-to-side, top-to-bottom, front-to-back), which are then read by a radiologist. It is non-invasive and no radioactivity is involved. The technique is believed to have no health hazards in general. The hope is that such non-invasive studies will contribute to our progress in learning how to predict the behavior of tumors, and in selecting proper treatments. Breast MRI is an evolving technology and should not replace standard screening and diagnostic procedures (clinical and self exams, mammogram, fine needle aspiration or biopsy). It is used as a clinical exam tool to measure extent of disease and response to treatment. It is also being studied for other uses.
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