BREAST IMAGING

The best method of evaluating the whole breast is x-ray mammography. Hand-held ultrasound or additional x-ray mammographic views provide localized imaging of a suspicious area. Palpable masses can be evaluated and diagnosed as cystic or solid prior to surgical treatment.

In our breast imaging area, we pride ourselves in the accuracy we achieve in diagnosing both benign and malignant breast diseases. We see a large volume of mammogram patients everyday at our offices. All of our technologists are professionally trained and highly qualified. Our radiology group has been involved in breast imaging and interpretation for over thirty years.

We use only state-of-the-art mammographic and breast ultrasound equipment. At our facilities we encourage breast self-examination techniques and our technologists are available for instruction and questions.

All abnormal reports are called to the referring doctor's office while the patient is still at our facility. Patients are given a written preliminary report at the time of the exam. Films can then be hand-carried to their physician's office the same day.

Our offices are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and
the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).

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MAMMOGRAPHY

To date, x-ray mammography is the only reliable method for screening non-palpable breast cancers. Two pictures of each breast will be taken. Pressure will be applied to the breast tissue to compress it and better
define the interior structures of the breast. This may prove slightly uncomfortable, but is usually not painful.
The patients will receive a preliminary report following the mammogram. We will be happy to answer any questions the patient may have.

Examination Time: 30 to 45 minutes.

Precautions: None.

Patient Instructions: Please advise the patient to wear a two-piece outfit the day of the exam, and not to use deodorant, body lotion, or body powder around or near the breast area prior to the examination. If the patient has had a prior mammogram at another facility, it is necessary to bring the report and x-rays to our office the day of the exam for comparison.

Our offices are the first in the Kansas City area to offer Digital Mammography.

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DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY

Diagnostic Imaging Centers was the first radiology practice in Kansas City to pioneer General Electric Senographe 2000D Full-Field Digital Mammography System. This revolutionary exam produces an enhanced view of the breast tissue in mere seconds on computer monitors. And because fewer retakes are needed, patients are exposed to less radiontion. Although traditional mammography is still an excellent weapon in the fight against breast cancer, digital mammography is the next technological step in that ongoing battle. With over 40,000 mammograms performed each year and by being the first to introduce this new technology to the Greater Kansas City area, Diagnostic Imaging Centers is clearly a leader in women's breast imaging.

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BREAST ULTRASOUND

Breast ultrasound is an accurate non-invasive means of evaluating the solid or cystic nature of breast masses. It is usually used in conjunction with a mammogram to characterize a mass seen on the x-ray image. Sometimes in very young or pregnant women, an ultrasound only is performed if a mass is clinically palpable.

During the examination, the technologist applies a water soluble gel to the surface of the breast allowing optimal examination of the breast tissue with sound energy produced by a handheld ultrasound transducer. The technologist manipulates the transducer so as to obtain multiple images of the area in question.

Examination Time: 15 to 20 minutes.

Precautions: None.

Patient Instructions: Advise the patient to wear a two-piece outfit the day of the exam. Please have the patients bring their outside mammogram or breast ultrasound.

BREAST MRI

Breast MRI is an advanced non-invasive means of evaluating breast tissue. It is usually used in conjunction with mammography and breast ultrasound and is particularly valuable in the following settings:

• - evaluation of women with recently diagnosed breast cancer, undergoing preoperative evaluation.
• - evaluating women with known breast cancer, assessing for either new or recurrent cancer.
• - evaluating women with significantly elevated breast cancer risk factors including screening in women who are known or likely carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses powerful magnetic fields in conjunction with radio-frequency signals and advanced computer to create images of structures in the body. Breast MRI exams require the injection of a contrast media, usually Gadolinium. This should be avoided in patients with diminished renal function or in women who are breast feeding.

Examination Time: 40 minutes to 1 hour

Precautions: Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Patients who are known to be claustrophobic may required sedation.

Exam Contraindications:

• Patients with a pacemaker or battery operated device that cannot be removed.
• Certain intra-cranial aneurysm clips.
• Certain eye and ear implants (Patients should ask their physician what type of middle ear implant they have).

Patient Instructions: Report to facility 15-30 minutes prior to exam to give information concerning history. Advise the patient to wear a two-piece outfit the day of the exam. Please have the patients bring their outside mammogram or breast ultrasound.

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