Procedures

> Ultrasound
> MRI
> Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsies
> Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsies
> DEXA Scans

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of structures within the body. It is usually the next step if an abnormality is detected by a mammogram or during a physical exam. Ultrasound can help determine if an abnormality within the breast is solid or fluid-filled. Abnormalities that are solid or are fluid filled with solid particles floating within will likely require further tests to determine if they are cancerous. Ultrasound cannot determine whether an abnormality is cancerous.

An ultrasound exam usually takes less than 30 minutes. It is painless and involves no X-ray radiation. A specially trained technologist moves a handheld unit back and forth across the breast to create the image. The images are stored in a computer and are interpreted by one of our board-certified physicians.

MRI

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It uses powerful magnets, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images of the internal structures of the body. It does not use X-rays and therefore emits no radiation, making it a very safe procedure. 

An MRI breast exam is not intended to be a replacement for mammograms or ultrasound, but it can often provide valuable information that the other diagnostic tests cannot. MRIs are painless and usually take between 30 minutes and an hour to complete. Depending on what your physician is looking for, the MRI exam may include an injected contrast material that will help to create a more detailed image. All MRIs are interpreted by our board-certified physician team.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsies

In some case it is not possible to tell from imaging tests (mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs) whether an abnormality with the breast is cancerous. That requires a biopsy to be performed, which involves removing part or all of the abnormal tissue and sending it to a laboratory for tests.

An ultrasound biopsy is minimally invasive procedure, done using local anesthesia. A radiologist uses ultrasound to guide a hollow core biopsy needle or the vacuum-assisted needle directly into the abnormal mass and obtains the necessary tissue samples, which are then taken to a laboratory for analysis.

Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsies

A stereotactic guided breast biopsy is similar to an ultrasound guided breast biopsy, except that X-rays are used to guide the biopsy needle rather than sound waves. Your physician will discuss with you which is the best method to achieve the biopsy. The procedure takes between 30 – 60 minutes. It is done using local anesthesia and is minimally invasive. Most women feel very little discomfort and show no scars from the test.

DEXA Scans

As an additional service to our female patients, the Jewish Hospital Breast Center provides DEXA Scanning, a bone density test that is the preferred method for diagnosing osteoporosis. It is recommended that women over the age of 65 or women over the age of 60 at risk for osteoporosis get a bone density test.

Before your exam

You may eat normally on the day of the exam. You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or buttons made of metal.

You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.

Inform your physician if you recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for a computed tomography (CT) scan or radioisotope scan. You may have to wait 10 to 14 days before undergoing a DEXA test.

During your exam

The DEXA test, which takes about 10 minutes, uses special X-rays to determine the bone density in your body. You lie on a padded platform while an imaging arm moves across your body without touching you. The DXA scanner computes a numerical reading of bone strength, called a T-score, that is used to compare your bone density with established guidelines. It is a safe and painless test. The radiation from a DEXA scan is about one-tenth the amount of radiation from a routine chest X-ray.

After your exam

Your physician will receive a report of the DEXA findings. He or she will advise you of the results and discuss what further procedures, if any, are needed. If you have low bone density, you may be advised to take calcium supplements or other medication. Your physician also may recommend that you participate in some kind of weight-bearing exercise, such as walking to strengthen your bones.

Click here for more information about osteoporosis.

For more information about DEXA scans, please consult with your physician or call the Breast Center at 513-686-3300.