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A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breast. Screening mammograms are performed to look for early breast cancers. Early breast cancer may present as a nodule that is too small to feel or calcium deposits within the breast tissue. Mammography is the still the most reliable screening method for breast cancer available today. The American College of Radiology, The Society of Breast Imaging, The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and The National Comprehensive Cancer Network all recommend yearly mammography beginning at age 40. For more information on screening mammography guidelines visit endtheconfusion.org. Diagnostic mammograms are typically performed to evaluate a specific problem such as a palpable lump or focal pain, or if a screening mammogram revealed an area requiring additional views. The images are reviewed immediately by a breast radiologist and if any additional imaging is required it can be performed the same day. Hoag utilizes 100% digital mammography, both conventional 2D mammography as well as 3D tomosynthesis. Conventional 2D mammography produces a single composite image of the breast, while tomosynthesis allows the radiologist to view multiple sequential images of the breast without any significant increase in radiation dose. Multiple research studies have shown that tomosynthesis significantly improves the cancer detection rate while also decreasing the call-back (false positive) rate. It is currently approved for all Medicare screening patients without additional co-pays. Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) is routinely used at Hoag to further review all screening mammograms. After a radiologist has viewed your mammogram images, a specially designed CAD computer program scans the images and identifies areas that may require greater scrutiny.
Click here to learn more about MammographyA breast ultrasound examination produces images of the breast using inaudible sound waves in a frequency range far above the range of human hearing. A breast ultrasound may be ordered by your physician or recommended by your radiologist to obtain more information about a possible abnormality. It is frequently done to assess the characteristics of a lump or to further assess an area of concern seen on mammogram. Ultrasound does not take the place of annual screening mammography.
Click here to learn more about Breast UltrasoundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces 3D images of the breast by passing radio waves through a powerful magnetic field. A small amount of dye (gadolinium) is injected to detect breast cancer. A breast MRI may be requested by your physician, surgeon or radiologist to obtain more information about a possible abnormality, for pre-operative evaluation, or for high-risk screening. MRI can also be obtained without contrast to evaluate for leakage or rupture of silicone gel implants. MRI does not take the place of annual screening mammography.
Click here to learn more about Breast MRIDigital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography) is the newest, state-of-the-art mammographic technology that allows the radiologists to examine breast tissue one millimeter at a time, rather than as a composite flat image. Clinical trials have shown that Tomosynthesis improves detection of invasive cancers by up 40% compared to traditional 2D mammography alone, with the greatest benefit in women with dense breast tissue. In addition, it reduces the rate of recall from screening by up to 20%. Hoag was the first center in Orange County to offer Tomosynthesis and is one of the largest providers in the Western US.
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