What is breast imaging?
Breast imaging is a combination of different radiological disciplines, the two main ones being Mammography and Breast Ultrasound.
How does it work?
Mammography
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the diagnosis of breast diseases. A beam of x-rays passes through the breasts recording an image on the special recording plate on the other side. This can then be viewed by medical personal on high definition computer monitors.
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound Imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (x-ray). Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can produce a moving picture of the internal structures of the breast; these can then be viewed on an image display screen.
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the diagnosis of breast diseases. A beam of x-rays passes through the breasts recording an image on the special recording plate on the other side. This can then be viewed by medical personal on high definition computer monitors.
Ultrasound Imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (x-ray). Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can produce a moving picture of the internal structures of the breast; these can then be viewed on an image display screen.
Who does the examination?
Mammograms are carried out by specially trained radiographers called mammographers or assistant practitioners. Breast ultrasounds are carried out by radiology consultants or specially trained radiographers. A radiology nurse may be present when you have your scan.
Preparation for the examination
Mammogram
If you have a booked appointment you may be asked not to wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms on the day of the examination as it may show up on the image.
Breast Ultrasound
No preparation is necessary for this exam.
The examination procedures
Mammogram
The mammographer will position your breast in the mammography unit. They place your breast on a special plate or platform and it is then gradually compressed by a paddle made from clear plastic. Some patients may experience some discomfort.
Compression of the breast is necessary to:
- Even out the thickness of the breast tissue .
- Allow the tissue to spread so no small abnormalities are obscured by overlying tissue.
- Holds the breast still to allow best possible image.
- Allow smaller x-ray doses to be used. The Mammographer may take a selection of breast images from different angles.
Breast Ultrasound
You will lay on a couch for the scan.
A clear gel is then applied to the area of your breast that needs imaging and a hand held device called a transducer is swept back and forth firmly against the skin. The information picked up by the transducer is then displayed as images on the ultrasound machine. In some instances it may be necessary to carry out a further procedure called a breast biopsy. If this is the case, the radiologist or breast ultrasonographer will explain the procedure to you.
How long do the examinations take?
Mammograms
Around 15 to 20 minutes.
Breast Ultrasound
30 minutes is a basic guide, depending on the needs of the individual patient.
After the scan
After your breast examination you can go about your daily routine as normal, any special instructions will be told to you before you leave. The images of your examination will be studied by one of our radiology breast specialists and a report sent back to your referring breast consultant.
