DOCSLIB.ORG

Mammography Ordering Guidelines

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Mammography Ordering Guidelines ORDERING GUIDELINES: MAMMOGRAPHY AND BREAST ULTRASOUND GENERAL INFORMATION: 1. Please make the patient aware of the following: If the patient’s previous mammograms and/or breast ultrasounds were NOT performed at Berkshire Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center, Fairview Hospital, or North Adams Regional Hospital/Northern Berkshire Health Center of BMC, he/she should arrange to have copies of them sent to the Women’s Imaging Center (even if the appointment is scheduled at Fairview or the Northern Berkshire Health Center). The address is 777 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. The radiologist will need these images for comparison. The patient should leave enough time before his/her appointment for the images to arrive at Women’s Imaging. NOT OBTAINING PRIOR EXAMS FROM AN OUTSIDE FACILITY BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT MAY RESULT IN EXTRA IMAGING OR A DELAY IN GETTING THE RESULTS. 2. There are two types of mammograms: diagnostic and screening. A diagnostic mammogram is performed if a patient is called back for additional imaging following a screening mammogram, if the patient has a palpable mass or other symptom, or if a previous finding is being followed. A screening mammogram means that the patient has no symptoms. 3. If the patient does not speak English, you must notify Central Scheduling at the time you make the appointment that an interpreter will be needed. 4. If the patient is either an in-patient or an Emergency Department patient at Berkshire Medical Center, please contact the Women’s Imaging Center at 447-2147 for information about ordering a mammogram or breast ultrasound. If an emergency breast ultrasound is needed during times that the Women’s Imaging Center is not open, the exam can be booked in the main Radiology department, but the Women’s Imaging Center MUST be notified the next business day. PATIENT PREP FOR ALL MAMMOGRAMS: The patient should bring a list of his/her current medications to the exam. Patient should not wear perfumes, powders, or deodorant on the day of the exam. These substances can be seen on a mammogram and can interfere with an accurate interpretation of the exam by the radiologist. THERE IS NO SPECIAL PREPARATION REQUIRED FOR BREAST ULTRASOUNDS 1 MAMMOGRAPHY NAME OF EXAM COMMON INDICATIONS ORDERING NOTES ROUTINE SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS WMC MAMMO-DIGITAL ROUT BIL Screening exam of both breasts If the patient needs a diagnostic mammogram on (Bilateral Screening Mammogram) one side and a screening mammogram on the other, a bilateral diagnostic mammogram should be ordered. WMC MAMMO-DIGITAL ROUT LEFT Screening exam of the left breast only If the patient needs a diagnostic mammogram on (Left Breast Screening Mammogram) the right side at the same time, a bilateral diagnostic mammogram should be ordered. WMC MAMMO-DIGITAL ROUT RIGHT Screening exam of the right breast only If the patient needs a diagnostic mammogram on (Right Breast Screening Mammogram) the left side at the same time, a bilateral diagnostic mammogram should be ordered. WMC MAMMO-DIG ROUT IMPLANTS Screening exam of both breasts for patients If the patient needs a screening mammogram on (Screening Mammogram Implants) with implant(s) in one or both breasts one side and a diagnostic mammogram on the other, a bilateral diagnostic mammogram for implants should be ordered. WMC MAMMO-DIGIT SPECIAL NEEDS Screening exam of both breasts for patients “Special needs” refers to any patient who might (Screening Mammogram Special Needs) with special needs require extra time to complete the exam. DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAMS WMC MAMMO-DIGITAL DIAG BIL Patient has a palpable lump in each breast or For patients with palpable lumps, an ultrasound (Bilateral Diagnostic Mammogram) other bilateral symptoms should also be ordered (see Breast Ultrasound Patient is being called back after a screening guidelines below). mammogram for additional views of both If the patient needs a diagnostic mammogram on breasts one side and a screening mammogram on the Follow-up exam for previous findings in both other, a bilateral diagnostic mammogram should breasts be ordered. WMC MAMMO-DIGITAL DIAG LEFT Patient has a palpable lump or other symptom For patients with palpable lumps, an ultrasound (Left Breast Diagnostic Mammogram) in the left breast only should also be ordered (see Breast Ultrasound 2 MAMMOGRAPHY NAME OF EXAM COMMON INDICATIONS ORDERING NOTES Patient is being called back after a screening guidelines below). mammogram for additional views of the left If the patient needs a screening mammogram on breast only the right side at the same time, a bilateral Follow-up exam for previous finding(s) in the diagnostic mammogram should be ordered. left breast only WMC MAMMO-DIGITAL DIAG RIGHT Patient has a palpable lump or other symptom For patients with palpable lumps, an ultrasound (Right Breast Diagnostic Mammogram) in the right breast only should also be ordered (see Breast Ultrasound Patient is being called back after a screening guidelines below). mammogram for additional views of the right If the patient needs a screening mammogram on breast only the left side at the same time, a bilateral Follow-up exam for previous finding(s) in the diagnostic mammogram should be ordered. right breast only WMC MAMMO-DIG DIAG IMP BIL Patient has bilateral implants and has a For patients with palpable lumps, an ultrasound (Bilateral Diagnostic Mammogram Implant(s)) palpable lump in each breast or other bilateral should also be ordered (see Breast Ultrasound symptoms guidelines below). Patient has implant(s) and is being called back If the patient needs a diagnostic mammogram on after a screening mammogram for additional one side and a screening mammogram on the views of both breasts other, a bilateral diagnostic mammogram for Follow-up exam for patient with implant(s) for implants should be ordered. previous finding(s) in both breasts WMC MAMMO-DIG DIAG IMP LEFT Patient has implant(s) and has a palpable lump For patients with palpable lumps, an ultrasound (Left Breast Diagnostic Mammogram Implant) or other symptom in the left breast only should also be ordered (see Breast Ultrasound Patient has implant(s) and is being called back guidelines below). after a screening mammogram for additional If the patient needs a screening mammogram on views of the left breast only the right side at the same time, a bilateral Follow-up exam for patient with implant(s) for diagnostic mammogram for implants should be previous finding(s) in the left breast only ordered. WMC MAMMO-DIG DIAG IMP RIGHT Patient has implant(s) and has a palpable lump For patients with palpable lumps, an ultrasound (Right Breast Diagnostic Mammogram Implant) or other symptom in the right breast only should also be ordered (see Breast Ultrasound Patient has implant(s) and is being called back guidelines below). 3 MAMMOGRAPHY NAME OF EXAM COMMON INDICATIONS ORDERING NOTES after a screening mammogram for additional If the patient needs a screening mammogram on views of the right breast only the left side at the same time, a bilateral Follow-up exam for patient with implant(s) for diagnostic mammogram for implants should be previous finding(s) in the right breast only ordered. WMC MAMMO-DIGIT DIAG SP NEEDS Special needs patient has a palpable lump or “Special needs” refers to any patient who might (Diagnostic Mammogram for Special Needs other symptom in one or both breasts require extra time to complete the exam. Patient) Special needs patient is being called back after For patients with palpable lumps, an ultrasound a screening mammogram for additional views should also be ordered (see Breast Ultrasound of one or both breasts guidelines below). Follow-up exam for special needs patient for previous findings in one or both breasts BREAST ULTRASOUND EXAM COMMON INDICATIONS ORDERING NOTES WMC US BREAST LEFT Patient has a palpable lump or other symptom A clock-face location MUST be provided for all in the left breast only palpable areas. Patient is being called back after a screening An approximate distance from the nipple is mammogram for additional views of the left extremely helpful. breast only It must be noted if the patient has implants Follow-up exam for previous finding(s) in the left breast only WMC US BREAST RIGHT Patient has a palpable lump or other symptom A clock-face location MUST be provided for all in the right breast only palpable areas. Patient is being called back after a screening An approximate distance from the nipple is mammogram for additional views of the right extremely helpful. breast only It must be noted if the patient has implants Follow-up exam for previous finding(s) in the right breast only 4 BREAST ULTRASOUND EXAM COMMON INDICATIONS ORDERING NOTES WMC US BREAST BILATERAL Patient has a palpable lump or other symptom A clock-face location MUST be provided for all in each breast palpable areas. Patient is being called back after a screening An approximate distance from the nipple is mammogram for additional views of both extremely helpful. breasts It must be noted if the patient has implants Follow-up exam for previous findings in both breasts WMC US SCREENING BREAST LEFT As a supplement to mammography, to screen Please note if the patient has implants for occult cancers in certain populations of Not all insurance plans cover ultrasound breast women (such as those with dense screening exams; therefore, the patient will be fibroglandular breasts who are also at elevated asked to sign a financial waiver form at the time of risk of breast cancer or with newly suspected the exam. The patient may wish to contact her breast cancer) who are not candidates for MRI insurance provider prior to the exam to determine or have no easy access to MRI if the service is covered.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Breast Scintimammography
    CLINICAL MEDICAL POLICY Policy Name: Breast Scintimammography Policy Number: MP-105-MD-PA Responsible Department(s): Medical Management Provider Notice Date: 11/23/2020 Issue Date: 11/23/2020 Effective Date: 12/21/2020 Next Annual Review: 10/2021 Revision Date: 09/16/2020 Products: Gateway Health℠ Medicaid Application: All participating hospitals and providers Page Number(s): 1 of 5 DISCLAIMER Gateway Health℠ (Gateway) medical policy is intended to serve only as a general reference resource regarding coverage for the services described. This policy does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to govern or otherwise influence medical decisions. POLICY STATEMENT Gateway Health℠ does not provide coverage in the Company’s Medicaid products for breast scintimammography. The service is considered experimental and investigational in all applications, including but not limited to use as an adjunct to mammography or in staging the axillary lymph nodes. This policy is designed to address medical necessity guidelines that are appropriate for the majority of individuals with a particular disease, illness or condition. Each person’s unique clinical circumstances warrant individual consideration, based upon review of applicable medical records. (Current applicable Pennsylvania HealthChoices Agreement Section V. Program Requirements, B. Prior Authorization of Services, 1. General Prior Authorization Requirements.) Policy No. MP-105-MD-PA Page 1 of 5 DEFINITIONS Prior Authorization Review Panel – A panel of representatives from within the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services who have been assigned organizational responsibility for the review, approval and denial of all PH-MCO Prior Authorization policies and procedures. Scintimammography A noninvasive supplemental diagnostic testing technology that requires the use of radiopharmaceuticals in order to detect tissues within the breast that accumulate higher levels of radioactive tracer that emit gamma radiation.
    [Show full text]
  • Breast Imaging H
    BREAST IMAGING H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Rotation Director: Margaret Szabunio, M.D. General Goals : On this rotation, the resident will learn to interpret screening mammograms and to perform diagnostic mammography and ultrasound examinations of the breast. The resident will learn to formulate appropriate differential diagnoses and recommendations for various breast pathologies. The resident will also learn mammographic, ultrasound and MR breast biopsy techniques. Daily Work : The resident rotation begins after morning conference has concluded. In this rotation the resident shall learn BIRADS nomenclature and become proficient in using the PENRAD system for reporting. The resident will also learn the difference between screening and diagnostic mammography and how to perform a diagnostic work-up. (S)he will become familiarized with mammographic positioning and technique and quality assurance including MQSA and ACR requirements. The resident will learn to interpret mammographic images and the use of additional mammographic views for problem solving. (S)he will learn when and how to employ sonography in patient evaluation. The resident is REQUIRED to attend Thursday morning breast interdisciplinary conference. Preparing and reviewing cases for this conference is highly recommended. The resident will assist with and perform needle localizations, breast biopsy and cyst aspiration procedures using mammographic, stereotactic and sonographic techniques for each. The resident is expected to identify proper indications and contraindications for each procedure and how to identify and manage complications. The resident is expected to understand and complete informed consent for image guided breast procedures. On occasion, the resident may observe or assist with ductography procedures. Opportunity to observe and assist with MR guided breast procedures may also be available.
    [Show full text]
  • Evaluation of Nipple Discharge
    New 2016 American College of Radiology ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Evaluation of Nipple Discharge Variant 1: Physiologic nipple discharge. Female of any age. Initial imaging examination. Radiologic Procedure Rating Comments RRL* Mammography diagnostic 1 See references [2,4-7]. ☢☢ Digital breast tomosynthesis diagnostic 1 See references [2,4-7]. ☢☢ US breast 1 See references [2,4-7]. O MRI breast without and with IV contrast 1 See references [2,4-7]. O MRI breast without IV contrast 1 See references [2,4-7]. O FDG-PEM 1 See references [2,4-7]. ☢☢☢☢ Sestamibi MBI 1 See references [2,4-7]. ☢☢☢ Ductography 1 See references [2,4-7]. ☢☢ Image-guided core biopsy breast 1 See references [2,4-7]. Varies Image-guided fine needle aspiration breast 1 Varies *Relative Rating Scale: 1,2,3 Usually not appropriate; 4,5,6 May be appropriate; 7,8,9 Usually appropriate Radiation Level Variant 2: Pathologic nipple discharge. Male or female 40 years of age or older. Initial imaging examination. Radiologic Procedure Rating Comments RRL* See references [3,6,8,10,13,14,16,25- Mammography diagnostic 9 29,32,34,42-44,71-73]. ☢☢ See references [3,6,8,10,13,14,16,25- Digital breast tomosynthesis diagnostic 9 29,32,34,42-44,71-73]. ☢☢ US is usually complementary to mammography. It can be an alternative to mammography if the patient had a recent US breast 9 mammogram or is pregnant. See O references [3,5,10,12,13,16,25,30,31,45- 49]. MRI breast without and with IV contrast 1 See references [3,8,23,24,35,46,51-55].
    [Show full text]
  • Breast Imaging Faqs
    Breast Imaging Frequently Asked Questions Update 2021 The following Q&As address Medicare guidelines on the reporting of breast imaging procedures. Private payer guidelines may vary from Medicare guidelines and from payer to payer; therefore, please be sure to check with your private payers on their specific breast imaging guidelines. Q: What differentiates a diagnostic from a screening mammography procedure? Medicare’s definitions of screening and diagnostic mammography, as noted in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS’) National Coverage Determination database, and the American College of Radiology’s (ACR’s) definitions, as stated in the ACR Practice Parameter of Screening and Diagnostic Mammography, are provided as a means of differentiating diagnostic from screening mammography procedures. Although Medicare’s definitions are consistent with those from the ACR, the ACR's definitions of screening and diagnostic mammography offer additional insight into what may be included in these procedures. Please go to the CMS and ACR Web site links noted below for more in- depth information about these studies. Medicare Definitions (per the CMS National Coverage Determination for Mammograms 220.4) “A diagnostic mammogram is a radiologic procedure furnished to a man or woman with signs and symptoms of breast disease, or a personal history of breast cancer, or a personal history of biopsy - proven benign breast disease, and includes a physician's interpretation of the results of the procedure.” “A screening mammogram is a radiologic procedure furnished to a woman without signs or symptoms of breast disease, for the purpose of early detection of breast cancer, and includes a physician’s interpretation of the results of the procedure.
    [Show full text]
  • ACR Practice Parameter for Performance of Contrast Enhanced
    The American College of Radiology, with more than 30,000 members, is the principal organization of radiologists, radiation oncologists, and clinical medical physicists in the United States. The College is a nonprofit professional society whose primary purposes are to advance the science of radiology, improve radiologic services to the patient, study the socioeconomic aspects of the practice of radiology, and encourage continuing education for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and persons practicing in allied professional fields. The American College of Radiology will periodically define new practice parameters and technical standards for radiologic practice to help advance the science of radiology and to improve the quality of service to patients throughout the United States. Existing practice parameters and technical standards will be reviewed for revision or renewal, as appropriate, on their fifth anniversary or sooner, if indicated. Each practice parameter and technical standard, representing a policy statement by the College, has undergone a thorough consensus process in which it has been subjected to extensive review and approval. The practice parameters and technical standards recognize that the safe and effective use of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology requires specific training, skills, and techniques, as described in each document. Reproduction or modification of the published practice parameter and technical standard by those entities not providing these services is not authorized. Revised 2018 (Resolution 34)* ACR PRACTICE PARAMETER FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF CONTRAST- ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) OF THE BREAST PREAMBLE This document is an educational tool designed to assist practitioners in providing appropriate radiologic care for patients. Practice Parameters and Technical Standards are not inflexible rules or requirements of practice and are not intended, nor should they be used, to establish a legal standard of care1.
    [Show full text]
  • Diagnostic and Nuclear Medical Physics Residency Program Summary of Rotation Presentation Topics
    Diagnostic and Nuclear Medical Physics Residency Program Summary of Rotation Presentation Topics Last updated: 11/17/2020 Radiography (2020) Advanced image processing in digital radiography (2020) Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (2019) EOS scoliosis imaging system (2019) Dental radiographic technologies (2018) Radiographic techniques for scoliosis patients (2018) Exposure index in digital radiography (2017) Heel effect and how to mitigate it in clinical procedures, physics testing and image processing (2017) AAPM TG 151: ongoing quality control in digital radiography (2016) Routine applications, special procedures, and QC for projection radiography Fluoroscopy (2020) Fluoroscopy-guided trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) (2020) The process of estimating peak skin dose (PSD) in fluoroscopy (2019) My clinical observations of non-interventional fluoroscopy procedures (2019) Medical physics guide to calculating peak skin dose from RDSR data (2018) My shadowing experience in non-interventional fluoroscopy (2018) Interventional fluoroscopy in cardiology (2017) Patient skin dose estimation in fluoroscopic procedures (2017) TheraSphere® Yttrium-90 microsphere therapy (2016) Clinical applications and methods to monitor and reduce patient dose in fluoroscopy Mammography (2020) Mammography screening recommendations and data (2020) Medical physicist’s tests in the 2018 ACR digital mammography QC manual (2019) Contrast-enhanced digital mammography and tomosynthesis-guided biopsies (2019) Technology improvements
    [Show full text]
  • Icd-9-Cm (2010)
    ICD-9-CM (2010) PROCEDURE CODE LONG DESCRIPTION SHORT DESCRIPTION 0001 Therapeutic ultrasound of vessels of head and neck Ther ult head & neck ves 0002 Therapeutic ultrasound of heart Ther ultrasound of heart 0003 Therapeutic ultrasound of peripheral vascular vessels Ther ult peripheral ves 0009 Other therapeutic ultrasound Other therapeutic ultsnd 0010 Implantation of chemotherapeutic agent Implant chemothera agent 0011 Infusion of drotrecogin alfa (activated) Infus drotrecogin alfa 0012 Administration of inhaled nitric oxide Adm inhal nitric oxide 0013 Injection or infusion of nesiritide Inject/infus nesiritide 0014 Injection or infusion of oxazolidinone class of antibiotics Injection oxazolidinone 0015 High-dose infusion interleukin-2 [IL-2] High-dose infusion IL-2 0016 Pressurized treatment of venous bypass graft [conduit] with pharmaceutical substance Pressurized treat graft 0017 Infusion of vasopressor agent Infusion of vasopressor 0018 Infusion of immunosuppressive antibody therapy Infus immunosup antibody 0019 Disruption of blood brain barrier via infusion [BBBD] BBBD via infusion 0021 Intravascular imaging of extracranial cerebral vessels IVUS extracran cereb ves 0022 Intravascular imaging of intrathoracic vessels IVUS intrathoracic ves 0023 Intravascular imaging of peripheral vessels IVUS peripheral vessels 0024 Intravascular imaging of coronary vessels IVUS coronary vessels 0025 Intravascular imaging of renal vessels IVUS renal vessels 0028 Intravascular imaging, other specified vessel(s) Intravascul imaging NEC 0029 Intravascular
    [Show full text]
  • WHO Position Paper on Mammography Screening
    Introduction Mammography is an X-ray of the breast to identify malignant changes. It is used both as a diagnostic tool to examine symptomatic women and as a screening test in asymptomatic women. The goal of screening mammography is to detect breast cancer early, prior to feeling a breast lump; while ensuring consistently high quality mammography results with minimal exposure of the women to radiation. The success of mammography screening depends not only on the quality performance of the technology, but on having an organized population based screening program, that achieves high screening coverage of women in the at risk age group, followed by diagnosis and treatment for women detected with abnormal results. Key Questions 1.WHAT ARE THE MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS? In well-resourced settings, organized population-based mammography screening programs are recommended for women aged 50-69 years, every 2 years. In these settings, screening programs for women 40- 49 years of age and 70-75 years of age is suggested only if it is conducted in the context of rigorous research, monitoring and evaluation. In limited resource settings with relatively strong health systems, organized population-based mammography screening programs are suggested for women aged 50-69 years, every 2 years only if the conditions for implementing a screening program are met. In these settings, WHO recommends against mammography screening for women 40-49 years of age and 70-75 years of age. In limited resource settings with weak health systems, organized population-based mammography screening programs may not be cost-effective and feasible. Early diagnosis of symptomatic women with prompt diagnosis and treatment should be the priority.
    [Show full text]
  • ACR Practice Parameter for the Performance of Whole-Breast
    The American College of Radiology, with more than 30,000 members, is the principal organization of radiologists, radiation oncologists, and clinical medical physicists in the United States. The College is a nonprofit professional society whose primary purposes are to advance the science of radiology, improve radiologic services to the patient, study the socioeconomic aspects of the practice of radiology, and encourage continuing education for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and persons practicing in allied professional fields. The American College of Radiology will periodically define new practice parameters and technical standards for radiologic practice to help advance the science of radiology and to improve the quality of service to patients throughout the United States. Existing practice parameters and technical standards will be reviewed for revision or renewal, as appropriate, on their fifth anniversary or sooner, if indicated. Each practice parameter and technical standard, representing a policy statement by the College, has undergone a thorough consensus process in which it has been subjected to extensive review and approval. The practice parameters and technical standards recognize that the safe and effective use of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology requires specific training, skills, and techniques, as described in each document. Reproduction or modification of the published practice parameter and technical standard by those entities not providing these services is not authorized. 2019 (Resolution 34)* ACR PRACTICE PARAMETER FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF WHOLE- BREAST ULTRASOUND FOR SCREENING AND STAGING PREAMBLE This document is an educational tool designed to assist practitioners in providing appropriate radiologic care for patients. Practice Parameters and Technical Standards are not inflexible rules or requirements of practice and are not intended, nor should they be used, to establish a legal standard of care1.
    [Show full text]
  • Transmittal 3844 Date: August 18, 2017 Change Request 10181
    Department of Health & CMS Manual System Human Services (DHHS) Pub 100-04 Medicare Claims Processing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Transmittal 3844 Date: August 18, 2017 Change Request 10181 NOTE: This Transmittal is no longer sensitive and is being re-communicated November 21, 2017. The Transmittal Number, date of Transmittal and all other information remains the same. This instruction may now be posted to the Internet. SUBJECT: Replacement of Mammography HCPCS Codes, Waiver of Coinsurance and Deductible for Preventive and Other Services, and Addition of Anesthesia and Prolonged Preventive Services I. SUMMARY OF CHANGES: This transmittal provides for the replacement of HCPCS codes G0202, G0204, and G0206 with CPT codes 77067, 77066, and 77065, effective January 1, 2018. It also applies the waiver of deductible and coinsurance to 76706, 77067, prolonged preventive services, and anesthesia services furnished in conjunction with and in support of colorectal cancer screening services. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2018 *Unless otherwise specified, the effective date is the date of service. IMPLEMENTATION DATE: January 2, 2018 Disclaimer for manual changes only: The revision date and transmittal number apply only to red italicized material. Any other material was previously published and remains unchanged. However, if this revision contains a table of contents, you will receive the new/revised information only, and not the entire table of contents. II. CHANGES IN MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS: (N/A if manual is not updated) R=REVISED,
    [Show full text]
  • Breast Imaging Faqs
    Breast Imaging FAQs WHAT IS A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM? A screening mammogram uses low dose digital x-rays of the breast to check for breast cancer in patients with no signs or symptoms of the disease (asymptomatic). Screening mammograms create 2-dimensional (2D) images of the breast tissue that make it possible to detect findings that may be too small to be felt allowing for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. WHAT IS SCREENING BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS OR 3D MAMMOGRAPHY? Screening breast tomosynthesis, also referred to as 3D mammography, is added to all standard screening mammograms. Screening tomosynthesis uses a low dose x-ray machine that sweeps over the breast, taking multiple images from different angles; a computer combines these images to create a 3D picture of the breast. The 3D images used in combination with the 2D images have the benefit of helping to improve cancer detection as compared to standard digital mammography alone. Additional imaging obtained with breast tomosynthesis may also help reduce the need for additional testing. WHO SHOULD GET A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM? Current American College of Radiology Guidelines recommend screening mammograms, and a clinical breast examination every year beginning at age 40. Screening mammography is indicated for patients who are not experiencing any symptoms or breast problems (asymptomatic). Talk to your doctor to find out if a screening mammography is right for you. WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE EXAM? During the exam each breast will be compressed for about 7 to 10 seconds by the digital mammography unit for each view required. Compression is important as it allows for a more detailed view of the breast.
    [Show full text]
  • Stiffness of the Surrounding Tissue of Breast Lesions Evaluated by Ultrasound Elastography
    Eur Radiol DOI 10.1007/s00330-014-3152-7 BREAST Stiffness of the surrounding tissue of breast lesions evaluated by ultrasound elastography JianQiao Zhou & WeiWei Zhan & YiJie Dong & ZhiFang Yang & Chun Zhou Received: 27 October 2013 /Revised: 24 January 2014 /Accepted: 12 March 2014 # European Society of Radiology 2014 Abstract Keywords Ultrasound . Elastography . Stiffness . Strain Objective To evaluate the stiffness of the surrounding tissue ratio . Breast of breast lesions using the strain ratio assessment method by ultrasound (US) elastography. Methods This was an institutional ethics committee approved Introduction prospective study. A total of 127 breast lesions in 118 women (mean age 48.23±14.32, range 20–90) were examined with Breast cancer is the most common cancer in both the devel- conventional and elastographic US. The strain ratio assess- oping and developed world, and is the leading cause of death ment method was utilized to semi-quantitatively evaluate the among women globally [1]. Mammography, magnetic reso- stiffness of the breast lesions and the surrounding tissue. nance imaging and ultrasound (US) are the main imaging Results Fifty-five lesions were malignant and 72 were benign. diagnostic methods employed for characterization of breast The strain ratio of the surrounding tissue was significantly lesions and determination of their risk for malignancy [2–5]. higher in malignant cases (1.49±0.67) than in benign ones The advantage of US is that it can distinguish cystic from solid (1.17±0.44) (P=0.001), and yielded an Az value of 0.669 in lesions with a high degree of certainty. However, the inade- the diagnosis of breast lesions.
    [Show full text]