Screening Mammography
For all women, mammography screening is considered crucial to the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. Annual mammograms and clinical breast examinations are recommended by the American Cancer Society for women older than 40 years. Women older than 20 years should be encouraged to do monthly breast self-examinations, and women between 20 and 39 years of age should have a clinical breast examination every three years. These guidelines are modified for women with risk factors, particularly those with a strong family history of breast cancer. The earlier the cancer is detected, the better a woman’s chances for a favorable outcome.
Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. 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. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.
Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings—such as a breast lump or lumps—that have been found by the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammogram in order to evaluate the area of concern on the screening exam.
Breast MRI
What is MRI of the Breast?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).
MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD.
Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed as well with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning).
MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.
DEXA Bone Density Studies
What is a Bone Density study, or DEXA?
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, also known as a bone density test, is painless and simple to conduct and usually takes less than 10 minutes. The radiation exposure is minimal and the test is very precise.
During a DEXA scan, a scanner will pass over one area of your skeleton. A dual energy beam of very low dose x-rays passes through that area of your body and is measured by a detector. You will not feel anything during the exam.