Mammography

The Faulkner-Sagoff Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Centre uses state-of-the-art digital mammography units for screening and diagnostic mammograms.  Direct digital imaging allows the radiologist to adjust the density and contrast of the image so that repeat views would rarely be necessary.

Patients who visit the Centre during regular work hours receive the results of their mammograms before they leave. All patients with signs or symptoms of a breast abnormality, are examined by a board-certified radiologist who takes the time to answer questions and provide reassurance.

Please remember that if you have had films taken previously elsewhere you will be asked to bring those to their appointment.

About the exam:

Patients often speak of the vigorous compression used during a mammogram. First, be reassured that compression is not dangerous to breast tissue and is necessary to obtain high quality images while reducing radiation dosage. Some discomfort may occur but pain is rare. If pain is experienced the technologist can lessen the compression. It may be necessary to repeat a mammographic view for technical reasons or to do additional special views to clarify a questionable finding. In this instance it is important to remember that in the vast majority of cases this is done just to obtain a better exam.
Ultrasound

High-frequency sound waves are used to outline the breast. The sound waves are bounced off tissues and the echoes are converted by a computer into a picture. Ultrasound is used to help evaluate lumps that have been previously identified by mammography.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. MRI's use magnetization and radio waves, instead of x-rays to evaluate breast masses that have already been found by mammography and to recognize the difference between cancer and scar tissue. MRI can detect some conditions not seen on the mammogram and is useful as a compliment to your annual routine mammography screening.  Read more about our new imaging suite by clicking here.

Ductogram (Galactogram)

A test that is sometimes helpful in determining the cause of a nipple discharge. This procedure involves the placement of a fine plastic tube into the opening of the duct into the nipple. A small amount of contrast medium is injected, which is then used to outline the shape of the duct on an x-ray image and will show whether or not there is a mass inside the duct.

Needle Biopsy

A mammogram cannot prove whether or not an area seen on the films is cancer. Since most abnormalities are not breast cancer, further tests are needed to determine if findings on a mammogram are breast cancer or not. If a mammogram raises a suspicion of cancer, a sample of cells or tissue will need to be removed (biopsy) for a pathologist to examine under a microscope to determine if the suspicious area is in fact cancer. Fortunately, many suspicious breast abnormalities can be diagnosed without surgery by utilizing needle biopsy.

There are 2 types of needle biopsies:

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) uses a very thin needle to remove fluid and tiny fragments of tissue.

Core needle biopsy (CNB) uses a slightly larger needle to remove a piece of tissue about 1/16 inch in diameter and ½ inch long.

Bone Density Testing

The Faulkner-Sagoff Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Centre offers bone density studies for osteoporosis using the latest diagnostic equipment available. An appointment can be scheduled together with a mammogram or as a separate procedure. Please check with your primary care physician to determine your need for this study and to find out if a referral is needed.

For more information or to make an appointment for a bone density study, please call 617-983-7272.

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