Drs. Mori,
Bean and Brooks offers comprehensive
breast
imaging services utilizing the most
advanced equipment in
the hands of experienced, highly-trained
female
technologists. Several radiologists
in our group have
specific training and expertise in
mammography and related
breast diagnostic studies and are
able to devote a large
proportion of their time to breast
imaging and diagnosis.
A mammogram is an image
of the internal breast
tissue created by using low-dose
x-rays.
A screening mammogram can assist
the radiologist in
the detection of disease even if
you have no complaints or
symptoms.
Initial mammographic images
themselves are not always
enough to determine with certainty
the existence of a
benign or malignant disease. If a
finding or spot seems
suspicious, the radiologist may recommend
further
diagnostic studies.
A diagnostic mammogram
is used to evaluate a patient
with abnormal clinical findings,
such as a breast lump found
by the patient or her doctor. A diagnostic
mammogram may
also be done after an abnormal screening
mammogram in
order to further evaluate an area
of concern.
Interpretations of mammograms
can be difficult because
a
normal breast can appear differently
for each woman.
Because some breast cancers are hard
to visualize, a
radiologist always prefers to compare
the current exam to
previous examinations. Not all cancers
of the breast can be
seen on mammography. For this reason,
complete
evaluation of the breasts should
include monthly self-
examination, regular examinations
by a physician as well as
annual mammograms.
Current guidelines from
the U.S. Department of
Health and
Human Services (HHS), the American
Cancer Society (ACS),
the American Medical Association
(AMA) and the American
College of Radiology (ACR) recommend
screening
mammography every year for women,
beginning at age 40
unless they have a strong family
history.
Other than screening and
diagnostic mammography,
other
techniques may be performed by our
radiologists to more
completely evaluate suspected breast
disease. The
techniques include:
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- Ductogram
- Cyst aspiration
- Needle localization
prior to surgical biopsy
- Imaging guided biopsy
Early detection and treatment
is the best weapon against
breast cancer. The radiologists at
Drs. Mori, Bean and
Brooks are dedicated to the highest
standards in breast
imaging to achieve this goal.
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