Breast Imaging

MAMMOGRAM

Mammography uses a special X-ray machine to assess the breasts for a variety of conditions including cancer. It is the best method for detecting early breast cancer particularly for women over 40 years of age.

Preparation

It is recommended that you wear two-piece clothing. Some toiletries can produce unusual appearances on the films, so please do not use deodorant or talcum powder on the day of your mammogram.

It is important that you are on time for your appointment to ensure there is sufficient time available to perform the procedure. Please remember to bring every previous mammogram and your referral to your appointment.

How is the test performed?

To see the breast tissue with mammography, your breasts will need to be firmly compressed for a few seconds and this can cause some discomfort, but this is essential to obtain clear images. This discomfort is a momentary sensation and is generally well tolerated. If your breasts are particularly tender on the day, it might be wise to delay the test until your symptoms settle - you should discuss this with our staff.

Views are taken from several angles to ensure complete coverage of both breasts. The films are then reviewed by a radiologist (doctor), It is not uncommon to need further views. Although each image takes only a moment, the whole procedure can take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Your mammograms will also need to be compared with any previous mammograms. This comparison is an extremely important component of the test.

Often a mammogram is supplemented by an ultrasound examination. This will be used to obtain more information and prevent a delay in diagnosis.

We understand that some patients are anxious about having tests performed. If you do have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask our staff. Norwest Medical Imaging strongly advises that you return to your referring doctor in order for your doctor to discuss your radiology report with you.

BREAST ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound scanning of the breast is often performed at the time of your mammogram. In women under 40, it is often the first test to be performed, as the breasts are denser in younger women, making interpreting mammograms difficult.

Ultrasound is a very safe and accurate investigative tool used to assess many organs in the body, including the breasts. Ultrasound uses harmless high frequency inaudible sound waves to obtain images. Ultrasound waves are not dangerous or irritating to adults or children. The ultrasound waves are transmitted and collected via a hand held probe which is moved gently over the breast. You will not feel any pain or discomfort.

Norwest Medical Imaging has the most advanced ultrasound equipment available in Australia. Our state-of-the-art-imaging ultrasound systems, provide unprecedented image quality for diagnosis of breast disorders, with cutting edge technology such as elastography which can assist in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. Our sonographers and specialist radiologists are highly trained and experienced in all facets of breast imaging.

We understand that some patients are anxious about having tests performed. If you do have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask our staff. Your procedure will usually take between 20 and 30 minutes. A trained sonographer will conduct the study and a specialist may also participate in the examination. After the procedure the results will be reported by a specialist. You may wait while the images are prepared and reported. You can also pick up the films and report at a later time. Norwest Medical Imaging strongly advise that you return to your referring doctor, in order for your doctor to discuss your radiology report with you.

BIOPSY

Depending on the results of your test your doctor may ask for a biopsy. This can be performed using either ultrasound or mammogram. Your referring doctor and the radiologist will decide on the most appropriate imaging technique to target the area of interest in the breast. At Norwest Medical Imaging, our radiologists and technical staff are very experienced in breast biopsy, with the procedure generally very well tolerated.

There is no special preparation necessary, there is no need to fast. The specimens are sent to the pathology lab the same day and the results are usually available to your doctor within a few days. You will need to make an appointment with your own doctor to get these results.