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Breast Imaging
Breast imaging modalities including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. These are offered in both the screening and diagnostic setting.
Mammography: A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray examination. Hoag utilizes digital mammography, both conventional 2D mammography as well as 3D mammography (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. Clinical trials have shown that Tomosynthesis improves detection of breast cancer and reduces the rate of recall.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound produces images of the breast using inaudible sound waves.
MRI: MRI produces highly detailed images of the breast by passing radio waves through a powerful magnetic field before and after the administration of contrast.
Breast Interventional Procedures
Breast interventional procedures are minimally invasive and are performed using imaging guidance. These include core needle biopsy, pre-surgical localization, and aspiration. These procedures are performed using local anesthesia (lidocaine injection). A breast biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from a suspicious area in the breast and analyzed by a pathologist to determine whether cancer is present. A pre-surgical localization is a procedure in which a small wire or localization device is placed in the breast to help a surgeon remove an area of concern. An aspiration is a procedure in which fluid is removed from the breast through a small needle. The fluid may be sent to the laboratory for testing in certain instances. In rare cases, a surgeon may request that a small tube or catheter be left in place to allow for continued drainage.
DXA Scan
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a technology that uses a very low amount of X-ray energy to measure bone loss. Images of the lower spine, hips and forearms may be used.