So you need breast imaging? Here are a few things you may like to know...

If your doctor has asked you to have imaging of the breast, there are a number of different imaging techniques we can use at San Radiology & Nuclear Medicine. The decision to use one particular type of imaging technique, or a combination of imaging techniques is based on a number of factors including your age, the presence of symptoms or signs, family history, past personal history of breast pathology, breast density and so on. Your doctor will likely have discussed this with you.

In younger women, typically under 40, it is not uncommon to initially investigate breast concerns with an ultrasound. Mammography may or may not be performed in this age group, and often this occurs after the ultrasound. In women over 40, imaging usually includes both mammography and ultrasound.

There are other studies for the breast which can be used in varying circumstances including contrast mammography and MRI. Biopsy of the breast may also be necessary in some situations and radiologists (doctors trained in medical imaging) perform these with imaging guidance.

Breast imaging services at San Radiology include:

• Diagnostic 2D mammography and 3D mammography (tomosynthesis)
• Breast density evaluation
• Breast ultrasound
• Contrast mammography
• Breast MRI
• Image-guided intervention procedures including:
  - Preoperative hookwire localisation
  - Various biopsy techniques such as
• Core biopsy
• Vacuum assisted core biopsy
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy

We have designed separate information modules for each of these imaging techniques for your information, which you can view via the links above.

San Radiology has several radiologists who specialise in breast imaging and are involved in all aspects of the procedures and services listed above.

Further Information

Please contact San Radiology if you have any questions or queries.

A useful website for further information is the Royal Australasian College of Radiologists (RANZCR) consumer information site Inside Radiology, www.insideradiology.com.au.