Breast Imaging and Mammograms

Our approach

We offer the full spectrum of imaging care, personalized to each patient based on risk level.

Our specialists are fellowship-trained in breast imaging which gives us the experience and training to deliver accurate results. We work hand-in-hand with our colleagues in breast surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology to accurately diagnose your cancer, ensuring we can collectively personalize a treatment plan that considers every aspect of your care. Most importantly, you can expect to be treated with dignity and respect by every member of our team at every encounter.

At MedStar Health, our dedicated breast imagers are experts in the full spectrum of imaging care, including:

• Interpreting screening mammograms
• Evaluating new problems revealed by a screening mammogram with diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, and/or MRI
• Giving every patient in our clinics for diagnostic evaluation their results and recommendations verbally and in writing, and the opportunity to ask questions directly of a radiologist after the visit
• Using ultrasound, mammographic, or MRI guidance to perform biopsies and procedures facilitating surgical procedures
• Collaborating with our colleagues in the assessment and planning for patients with breast cancer
• Following patients with cancer after treatment

Types of breast imaging

Mammography

A mammogram is a special kind of X-ray designed specifically for the breast. Mammograms allow your doctor to closely examine the breasts for breast tissue changes. These tests can show small lumps or abnormalities that may not be detectable using a clinical or self-breast exam.

Mammography is the best tool that doctors have for finding and diagnosing breast cancer and may be used for:

• Screening mammograms are typically performed once a year for women with average risk and no symptoms of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends beginning these at the age of 40.

• Diagnostic mammograms are problem solving mammograms that can clarify any abnormalities on a screening or determine the cause of breast cancer symptoms. A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than screening mammograms because it takes more pictures of the breast. Sometimes, a diagnostic mammogram also involves ultrasound imaging.

During a mammogram, the breast is placed on a small platform and compressed with a paddle while exposed to a very low dose of radiation. Compression helps even out the thickness of the breast so that all of the breast tissue is visible. The pressure also holds the breast still to minimize blurring of the image caused by patient movement.

Digital mammography

Digital mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis or 3D mammography, is the next generation of mammography, allowing radiologists to take and view images in real-time on a computer rather than film. It captures 15 digital “projection” images as it arcs over the breast during a short four-second scan. These images are then digitally reconstructed into a series of high-resolution one-millimeter slices that can be reviewed individually or played back in a cine loop.

Recent trials have shown it to be a more accurate method for detecting early breast cancers than traditional 2D mammography alone, especially for women with dense breast tissue. An FDA-approved imaging tool, 3D mammograms offer numerous benefits for patients, including:

From the patient perspective, digital mammograms work in much the same way as traditional, and there is no additional cost to the patient. Patients are asked to remove clothing from above the waist, and the breasts are then positioned between two plates that flatten and compress the tissue as images are taken from all sides. Some patients report mild to moderate discomfort during the imaging process, but the test itself typically takes no more than 20 minutes to complete. While mammograms don't treat cancer, mammograms are a crucial tool in the early detection of breast cancer, which can improve treatment success rates.

A more comfortable experience using SmartCurve™ technology

Our 3-D mammography technology is a fast and convenient option for baseline and routine breast cancer screenings made more comfortable with SmartCurve™ technology. Whether you need a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram, this technology minimizes your discomfort while enhancing the quality of your exam by using:

• Curved surfaces that mirror your breast shape

• Uniform compression to reduce pressure points and pinching

• Higher contrast for exceptional image quality

Breast MRIs

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses magnets and radio waves to take a detailed image of the breast. The hour-long procedure is painless and considered very safe. In addition, MRI scans do not use radiation like other diagnostic tools (X-ray or CT scan). Therefore, the procedure can be used on women younger than 40 and more frequently for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. That's why we recommend that women begin talking to their doctor at the age of 30 about their risk levels for breast cancer. Breast MRI may be used to:

• Evaluate abnormalities detected by a mammogram

• Identify early breast cancer in those with a heightened risk (family history) or with dense breast tissue

• Screen women with breast implants or scar tissue that might otherwise make imaging challenging to read

• Determine the integrity of breast implants

• Assess or look for multiple tumors

• Diagnose breast cancer by guiding a breast biopsy procedure

This technology complements other imaging systems and does not replace conventional breast cancer screening mammograms.

Breast ultrasounds

Ultrasound is an imaging technology that uses sound waves to produce images of breast tissue. Because it is non-invasive and doesn't use radiation, it's considered safe, even for pregnant women. We may use a breast ultrasound to:

• Complement mammogram screenings for some women, including women who are pregnant or have dense breast tissue

• Diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities found during a routine breast cancer screening

• Examine lymph nodes to see if cancer has spread

• Guide a breast biopsy procedure

A sonographer or radiologist will position you on your back or side during an ultrasound. Then, they will apply a water-based gel to the breast. The gel helps a hand-held device, a transducer, send sound waves to a computer. The computer translates these sound waves into images in real-time. Finally, a highly-specialized radiologist with additional training in breast imaging analyzes the images.

It is important to note that mammograms are far more accurate at detecting early signs of breast cancer, so breast ultrasounds should not replace routine mammograms for most women.