Full field Digital Mammography

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women 40 and over have a yearly screening mammogram. A screening mammogram is done on women who are asymptomatic, that is, they are not complaining of any lumps in the breast. This exam consists of two images of both breasts in order to pick up subtle abnormalities that might indicate the presence of either precancerous or actual breast cancer. Patients might be recalled for additional imaging of the breasts depending on what the radiologist sees on the mammogram. A physician's order is not necessary for screening mammogram. However, supply us with a physician’s name to send the report to.

With the technology of digital mammography, images are obtained faster and can be manipulated to help identify abnormalities in the breast that might otherwise be missed on conventional mammograms.

Diagnostic mammograms are performed on patients who complain of an abnormality in the breast and can take several forms, such as a lump, pain or discharge from the nipple.

Our radiologist Dr. O’Connell, will discuss the findings with you before you leave our department. A physician referral is required for all diagnostic mammograms. This can readily be obtained.

During the course of any mammogram, it is important to obtain good quality images. This is achieved by allowing the technologist to compress your breast; allowing the breast tissue to be spread out which can facilitate identifying abnormalities. However, the technologist will work closely with you to reach the level of compression that you can tolerate. The breast compression only lasts for seconds.

Please note that deodorant and body powder can leave small specks on the images, therefore we recommend that you not wear deodorant or body powder on the day of the exam. We can provide you with deodorant before you leave.

Breast Ultrasound

Our radiologists may ask for a breast ultrasound in conjunction with a mammogram. This exam uses sound waves to identify abnormalities in the breast and does not require radiation. The purpose of this test is to distinguish between a cyst and a solid mass. While you are in the department the radiologist will let you know at the time of the exam what her findings are.

Some women, especially younger women, may come directly to us if they find a mass. Most of these cases tend to be benign and require no intervention, however, it is always a good idea to check with a doctor to make sure that is the case.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Cyst Aspiration

If the cyst is painful or there are indications that it may be infected, our radiologists may suggest a cyst aspiration, which involves removal of the fluid from the cyst. This is a painless procedure that can be performed during the patient’s visit. Most times the cyst fluid can be discarded but sometimes it may be sent to a laboratory for evaluation.

Ultrasound guided core biopsy

If there is a solid mass present in the breast it may be necessary to obtain a larger sample of tissue. After a local anesthetic is given, a small nick is made in the skin and a needle is advanced into the mass. The radiologist then ensures that they can watch the needle going into the mass insuring that it is accurately placed and that adequate tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Our center tries to provide a turnaround time of 24 hours on pathology specimens.

Dr. O’Connell consults with the pathologist and then communicates the results to the patient and her referring doctor directly.

Ductography

Ductography of the breast is an underused procedure that often helps define the cause of unilateral, single-pore, spontaneous nipple discharge. Since nipple discharge may be caused by benign tumors, such as papillomas and carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ, identification of intraductal abnormalities with ductography is important. Further, diagnostic ductography and preoperative ductography help guide accurate surgical intervention.

Obstetrical Ultrasound

An obstetrical ultrasound is a procedure used to obtain an in-depth look at the fetus. We can perform this on women in all stages of their pregnancy, including high-risk.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasounds utilize sound waves to evaluate structures of the uterus and ovaries. Our team of doctors and technologists can perform in-depth exams to rule out any abnormalities such as polyps, fibroid tumors and ovarian cysts and masses.