Filters: "Breast"
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What is Breast Tomosynthesis? Breast tomosynthesis (often referred to as 3D mammography) is a type of X-ray examination of the breast. It is a relatively new technology, and research about how to fully utilise it is still being carried out. It has already been shown to be beneficial in the detection of small breast cancers compared with conventional mammography, particularly…
Interventional radiology is a medical specialisation that involves performing a range of imaging procedures to obtain images of the inside of the body. The interventional radiologist carefully interprets these images to diagnose injury and disease, and to perform a range of interventional medical procedures. Interventional radiologist use imaging techniques…
Health consumers informationWhat is a breast fine needle aspiration? A breast fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a quick and simple procedure to perform, which removes some fluid or cells from a breast lesion or cyst (a lump, sore or swelling) with a fine needle similar to a blood sample needle. The sample of fluid or cells is smeared on a glass slide...
What is contrast medium? Contrast media (sometimes called contrast agents or dye) are chemical substances used in medical X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), angiography, and occasionally ultrasound imaging. Contrast media enhance and improve the quality of images (or pictures), so that the radiologist (a specialist doctor trained…
What is an octreotide scan? Nuclear medicine uses radioactive materials to diagnose or treat diseases. An octreotide scan is one that uses radioactive material to detect certain types of cancers arising from the neuro-endocrine systems (this means cancers that relate to the interaction between the nervous system and hormones from the endocrine system – glands that…
What is a plain radiograph/X-ray? Radiography is the imaging of body structures, or parts of the body, using X-rays. X-rays are a form of radiation (X-radiation) similar to visible light, radio waves and microwaves. X-radiation is special because it has a very high energy level that allows the X-ray beam to penetrate through the body and create an image or picture. Plain…
What is diagnostic mammography? A diagnostic mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breasts. This is performed when a person, their doctor or another health professional discovers unusual signs or symptoms in one or both breasts, i.e. a lump, tenderness, nipple discharge or skin changes. The mammogram confirms whether the changes are benign (non cancerous) and no…
What is a breast hookwire localisation? Many tests have been developed to find breast cancer early. Tests, such as mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can show abnormalities in the breast that cannot be felt by a woman or her doctor. If an abnormality that cannot be easily felt needs to be surgically removed, surgeons need a marker to guide to…
What is a breast ultrasound? Breast ultrasound is the examination of the breast tissue using an ultrasound scan. Ultrasound uses high frequency soundwaves to produce images (or pictures) of the body that are displayed on a screen. Ultrasound of the breast helps to distinguish fluid filled lumps in the breast (cysts) from solid lumps which may be cancerous or benign (non-cancerous).…
What is a breast MRI? A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a medical test where magnetic fields, radiowaves and an advanced computer are used to produce very detailed images of the breasts without using X-rays. The MRI machine is a large cylinder-shaped tube surrounded by a circular magnet. You will lie on a sliding examination table that is moved into the centre…
What is a vacuum-assisted core biopsy? Vacuum-assisted core biopsy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure in which a sample of breast tissue is removed for examination. When breast imaging shows up very small abnormalities too small to be felt (i.e. anything unusual in the structure of the breast), Vacuum-assisted core biopsy is used to obtain samples of the breast…
What is a screening mammography? Screening mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination of a woman’s breasts used to detect breast cancer when that cancer is too small to be felt as a lump. Screening mammography is carried out on women who do not have any symptoms of breast disease. The aim of screening mammography is to reduce the death rate from breast cancer by detecting…
Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty of radiology which involves the use of radioactive medication (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease. These radioactive materials are usually injected into a vein, but are sometimes swallowed or inhaled. A gamma camera tracks the movement of the radiopharmaceuticals from outside the body by detecting the gamma radiation…
Read moreEmergency radiology is a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology. Emergency diagnostic radiologists are an integral part of a hospital’s emergency team and are directly involved in helping diagnose trauma patients. Emergency radiologists use a range of imaging techniques to diagnose: Body trauma Heart and lung (thoracic) trauma and conditions Injuries…
Health professional informationBreast imaging is a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology. It involves a range of imaging procedures. Screening mammography is used to detect breast cancer via a low-dose X-ray before any symptoms are evident. This allows for early treatment and intervention. In Australia free breast screening is available to women aged 50-74 every two years. Diagnostic mammography…
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