Standard test used to detect unsuspected breast changes at an early stage
Breast is compressed while x-ray is taken, to improve ability to see as much breast tissue as possible
Relatively small amount of radiation
Quick and easy
Usually requires a prescription for patients under 35 years of age
What's it used for?
Routine/annual breast checkup
Patients with no breast-related problems or concerns
Best tool for screening women who are at low to average risk for breast cancer
Ultrasound
What is it?
Diagnostic tool using sound waves
NOT a screening tool
Requires a prescription
What's it used for?
Excellent tool to evaluate a lump found during a breast exam and with a diagnostic mammogram
Excellent tool to evaluate an abnormality found on a mammogram
Helpful in determining if a lump is benign (cyst) and to prevent a women from having a biopsy
Useful in helping the radiologist find the right place to put a needle during a biopsy
Diagnostic Mammogram
What is it?
Standard test to evaluate breast changes
Requires a prescription
What's it used for?
Follow-up to a finding on screening mammogram
Patients who can feel a lump or have one of the following symptoms: - Significant pain - Palpable mass - Inverted nipple - Changes in skin contour or breast size - Nipple discharge - Skin thickening or dimpling - Personal history of breast cancer
Breast MRI
What is it?
Breast imaging using very large magnets to evaluate the breast
No radiation
Requires precertification by insurance company
Requires a prescription
Takes approximately 60 minutes
What's it used for?
Used with mammography to screen women at high risk
Can be used to evaluate a questionable finding from a mammogram or ultrasound
Used to assess the extent of the cancer in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and to find other sites of cancer in both breasts
Great tool to determine how a cancer is responding to treatment
Can be a screening tool in some women with the following: - Personal - Known genetic mutation - Strong family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer - Past treatment for Hodgkin's disease
For more information on Breast MRI, please click here.
To visit the official site of the ProScan Imaging Pink Ribbon Centers, please click here.
