DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DIGITAL BREAST MAMMOGRAM
Digital mammography uses less radiation than traditional film mammography, reducing your lifetime exposure to x-rays.
Stereoscopic digital mammography (SDM) uses a pair of digital mammograms, taken from slightly different angles, to create a three-dimensional image of the internal structure of each breast. The resulting stereo image reveals more detail within the breast tissue than a standard two-dimensional mammogram -- so much so that this method may reduce false positives by half.
Traditional film mammography is slowly giving way to digital mammography, a technology that uses less time and less radiation to make the image of your breast's internal tissue. Digital mammograms can be stored in a computer, enlarged to see more detail, adjusted for image brightness, or increased in contrast, making all areas of the breast easier to see. Stereoscopic mammograms build upon the advantages of digital mammograms by revealing more depth of detail in three dimensions, allowing your radiologist to see past layers of tissue that can hide breast masses.
3D DIGITAL TOMOSYNTHESIS
Because breasts differ...
Tomography can reduce the overlay effect which is significant cause of the non detection of cancers particularly in dense breast tissue
Independent of breast size, density or compressed breast thickness, its 3D imaging Technology uses a low-dose short X-ray sweep around the compressed breast. This imaging technique is designed to show the inner structure of the breast without distortion and shadowing.
A flexible breast care solution, with a mammography and biopsy system in one. This will enable us to conduct screening, diagnostic and interventional procedures such as fine needle aspirations, core biopsies and vacuum assisted biopsies or hook wire placement whilst the patient remains in an upright or recumbent position.
Providing accurate access to the breast lesion, optimum patient
Positioning, for a more comfortable and tolerable patient experience.
BREAST ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound is the use of sound waves to obtain images of organs and tissues in the body. Sound waves are emitted into the body by an ultrasound transducer or probe. The sound reflects off the internal organs and tissues and creates “echoes” which are converted into images that are analysed by a medical specialist. Colour images and sound may also be used to assess structures and the blood flow and is a normal part of any exam.
Ultrasound examinations can help determine the cause of breast pain, masses, functional problems, family history of breast cancer or screening for breast changes. Ultrasound images can also help to identify and assess the breast tissue and axilla to compliment clinical examinations and mammography.
BREAST MRI
Breast MRI has become a highly beneficial tool in the early detection of breast lesions.
The introduction of High Resolution Digital 3T and 1.5T MRI, detailed images of breast tissue has assisted in the early diagnosis of small breast lesions. Although breast MRI is not used as a screening tool, in collaboration with mammograms can greatly increase the accuracy of detecting breast cancer in the earliest stages. Breast cancers such as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) can be discovered within the initial stage and treatment can begin immediately.
Many women prefer having an MRI due to the fact that there is no heavy breast compression. Most mammograms require the breast tissue to be compressed. This is to view through the dense breast structure that can obstruct the visibility of micro calcifications. Alternatively MRI only compress the breast tissue slightly to prevent any motion that can occur from breathing.
The only invasive side to having a Breast MRI scan is the contrast injection. The contrast is usually injected in the right cubital fossa. A cannula is inserted and left there for the duration of the examination which is usually 30minutes. The first part of the scan is performed without contrast to view breast structures, fluid and abnormal anatomy. The final part is the dynamic injection phase, which takes approximately 6 minutes. This is to see how the breast lesions, if any, highlight with contrast.
Breast MRI is also the tool of choice when diagnosing breast implant ruptures. Fortunately, this does not require an injection but still takes 30 minutes. The patency of the implants are easily viewed, to diagnose leakage of silicon, PIP or Saline into the surrounding tissue.
There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled with the Medicare Benefit Scheduling, however for peace of mind the out of pocket expense is negligible.