Mammography – Breast Imaging

A 3D mammogram, also known as breast tomosynthesis, is an advanced imaging tool designed to create a more detailed and comprehensive view of your breast tissue. It is an evolution of traditional 2D mammography, which captures two images of each breast from different angles. In contrast, 3D mammography captures a series of X-ray images from multiple angles in 1 mm slices, which are then reconstructed to create a three-dimensional view of the breast.

Before your appointment it is important to avoid using deodorant, talcum powder, or any creams or lotions on your breasts or underarms. These substances can interfere with the quality of the images. 

We will provide a gown for you to wear during the procedure, so it is a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit for your comfort. 

You will stand in front of the 3D mammography machine and your breast will be placed on a special platform. A clear, plastic plate will gently compress your breast to ensure that the tissue is evenly spread out. While compression may cause some mild discomfort, it is essential for obtaining clear images and typically lasts only a few seconds for each view.

If you were referred by your doctor due to a new lump or any other worrisome breast symptom, your appointment will often include a breast ultrasound. A Specialist Breast Radiologist will conduct the ultrasound and discuss the results with you at the end of your scan. In cases where the findings appear benign, you will receive immediate reassurance. However if there are suspicious findings, a biopsy may be recommended. Our priority is to minimize wait times and stress so we always aim to perform the biopsy on the same day, typically guided by ultrasound. The  radiology report will be available to you and your GP on the same day. Biopsy results typically take 5-10 days to come back from the laboratory. 

If you attended a routine screening mammogram, your results are typically sent to your doctor within a few days. Sometimes we may advise for further evaluation of a specific area, which could involve additional imaging or a biopsy. In this case your doctor will be informed, and our team will also contact you directly to arrange another appointment. You will then be seen by a Specialist Breast Radiologist who will be able to reassure you immediately or talk you through the next steps, if required. 

Breast cancer staging

Breast MRI is particularly beneficial for patients who have recently received a breast cancer diagnosis. It helps determine the extent of the disease, orienting the multidisciplinary team of specialists in selecting the most appropriate treatment strategy. By providing comprehensive insights into the breast tissue, it contributes to more accurate staging and treatment planning. 

High-Risk Breast Cancer Screening and Abbreviated Breast MRI

Breast MRI is an essential early screening method for patients at high risk of breast cancer, for example BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation carriers.

The high sensitivity of MRI is crucial for detecting cancer at its earliest stages, especially in younger patients with denser breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can reduce the sensitivity of mammography, making MRI a valuable addition to the screening regimen. 

High-risk patients, often advised by a specialist, may need to initiate their breast health screening at a younger age and undergo annual mammograms, ultrasounds, and breast MRI. This comprehensive approach ensures early detection, enhancing the chances of successful treatment and improved outcomes. 

High-risk patients can benefit from a shorter sequence MRI, also called abbreviated breast MRI. It is a highly sensitive screening tool to find invasive cancer at an early stage but provides less images and information than would be required for a staging MRI. The considerable advantage is that the time spent in the scanner for the patient is significantly shorter, without losing any diagnostic sensitivity. This is particularly valuable in our high risk patients who need to undergo a yearly breast MRI. 

For most patients, no specific preparation is required. If you are pre-menopausal and your MRI is not urgent, we may ask you to schedule your MRI between day 10-14 of your cycle.

At the time of booking and on arrival at Beyond Radiology, you will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire to ensure it is safe for you to have the scan.
Patients who have certain metal implants may be at risk of either damage to their implant or themselves. Many metal implants have been tested and are safe to enter the room however some can be dangerous such as various pacemakers.

If you have a pacemaker or metal implant within your body, it is extremely important that you tell the booking coordinator and MRI technologist at Beyond Radiology prior to your scan.

You will be asked to lie face down on a comfortable padded table and your breast will be positioned within a hollow space, which is fitted with specific sensors to be able to acquire high quality images. 

The examination table will slowly slide into the MRI machine, which looks like a short tunnel. You will need to remain as still as possible during the scan to obtain clear images. 

In most cases, a dye (or contrast agent) will be injected through a line in your arm. This enhances the visibility of breast abnormalities and helps characterising them. 

The MRI machine can produce loud knocking or thumping sounds during the scan. Ear protection is usually provided to reduce noise discomfort.

You will be in contact with a technologist throughout the procedure, as they can see and hear you through a window. You can communicate with them at any time if you have concerns or need assistance. 

A breast MRI typically takes 30-60 minutes.

The images of your scan will be available immediately after your scan to your referring doctor and the final report from the radiologist will be available within a few days. Urgent scans will be reported within a day. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming breast MRI, feel free to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Your comfort and well- being are our top priorities, and we are here to provide support and clarity throughout your breast health journey. 

Using real-time ultrasound imaging for accurate and safe tissue sampling, this is the most frequently performed breast biopsy technique and is usually performed within a 30 min appointment. The biopsy itself does not take long and is usually completed within a few minutes. 

This is an advanced technique using 3D mammography to precisely target and sample suspicious areas detected on a mammogram but not visible on ultrasound. The booking time is usually 45-60 min but the biopsy itself is much shorter. 

In cases where the abnormality is only visualised with MRI, our skilled medical team can perform a targeted MRI-guided biopsy. This highly precise procedure involves using real-time MRI images to guide the placement of a needle for tissue sampling.

This technique guides the surgeon in finding the area within your breast which needs to be removed during surgery when it cannot be felt on examination. 

On the morning of surgery or sometimes the afternoon before your surgery, we will insert a thin flexible wire to locate this area. 

The procedure will be performed using ultrasound or x-ray guidance, depending on how the area is best visualised.