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University Hospital > Cancer Services > Early Detection and Diagnosis

The UC Barrett Cancer Center at University Hospital

Early Detection and Diagnosis

> Diagnostic Technologies
> Breast Imaging Services

Early detection and proper diagnosis are the first steps in successfully treating the disease.

The UC Barrett Cancer Center at University Hospital and University Hospital are equipped with the most advanced diagnostic tools and perform the most advanced diagnostic services.

Diagnostic Technologies top of page
 

  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of body tissue. Images are displayed on video screens and photographed for our radiologist to read. Ultrasound can often reveal whether a lump is filled with fluid or is solid. Ultrasound waves pass thru fluid but bounce off solid areas. Ultrasounds are painless and results are often available immediately.
     
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Your physician can help you decide if an MRI is appropriate for you. MRI is a computerized body imaging process that uses radiowaves and powerful magnets to provide three-dimensional images of the body.
     
  • PET-CT: University Hospital has a brand new GE Discovery ST, PET/CT system that integrates a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner with multi-slice Computed Tomography (CT) technology. The PET scan depicts the kinetics and metabolism of radioactive physiologic compounds useful in studying tumors. The combined CT technology provides anatomic information, which, when correlated with the PET findings, can aid in diagnosing and identifying cancer.

Breast Imaging Services top of page
 

  • Mammography: A mammogram is a low-radiation X-ray that views the internal structures of the breast from the top and side. The breast is positioned between two surfaces to get a clear picture. It is usually painless, but some women may find the pressure to be somewhat uncomfortable. The radiologist needs several views of your breast; it is not unusual for many pictures to be taken. Our radiologists read the X-rays and then process them through a computer-aided diagnostic imaging tool. This state-of-the-art technology double-checks the mammograms to rule out potential problems.
     
    • Screening mammograms—routinely examine breast tissue to detect changes. These are recommended annually for women over the age of 40. The results are available within two to four days.
       
    • Diagnostic mammograms—used to evaluate breast symptoms: lumps, thickening, nipple discharge, or pain. Results are available shortly after the test. Additional studies, such as ultrasound maybe recommended by the radiologist who immediately evaluates your films.
       
  • Digital Mammography: Digital mammography is a more advanced method of mammography in which an electronic image of the breast is taken and stored directly in a computer. The advantages are that less radiation is used than in traditional film mammography and radiologists are able to use software to help interpret digital mammograms.
     
  • Breast MRI: Breast MRI uses Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to look specifically at the breast. The non-invasive procedure can be used to determine what the inside of the breast looks like without having to do surgery or flatten the breast. Each exam produces hundreds of images of the breast, cross-sectional in all three directions (side-to-side, top-to-bottom, front-to-back), which are then read by a radiologist.
     
  • Ductogram: Ductogram is a procedure to evaluate breast ducts. If you have an abnormal nipple discharge, your physician may order this procedure. A small needle is gently inserted into the nipple and X-ray dye is injected. X-rays of the breast will show the anatomy of the ducts, which can help your physician to determine the cause of the discharge. Results are often available immediately.
     
  • Stereotactic Breast Biopsy: Stereotactic biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses three-dimensional computerized imaging to pinpoint suspicious areas in the breast. Tissue samples may be withdrawn with a needle. This type of biopsy is most helpful when the abnormality can be seen on mammogram but not felt on physical examination. Results are available within two to four days.
     
  • Ultrasound-guided Breast Biopsy: Ultrasound guided biopsy can be preformed if your diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound reveals a breast abnormality that the radiologist recommends be examined with biopsy. Image guided biopsies are performed in the radiology department. After using a local anesthesia to numb your skin, the radiologist can use a needle to withdraw cells or a tissue specimen for analysis. The radiologist may use an ultrasound or a stereotactic mammogram to accurately locate the area to be biopsied. Your biopsy will then be sent to the pathologist for careful evaluation. Results are available within one – two days.
     
  • MRI-guided Breast Biopsy: MRI-guided breast biopsy is used when ultrasound or stereotactic-guided biopsy are not appropriate because the area of concern is not well seen by mammogram or ultrasound. The doctor places a needle into the suspicious area of he breast and removes a sample using the images from the MRI. This test allows the radiologist to take the biopsy in the MRI suite, streamlining the diagnostic process.
     
  • Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy: Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy is used in stereotactic, ultrasound or MRI-guided biopsies. In these biopsies a special vacuum-assisted core needle is used to aid in removing a tissue sample.
     
  • Cyst Aspiration: Cyst aspiration is used to remove fluid from a cyst that has formed in the breast. A small needle is inserted into the lump of the breast and the fluid in the cyst is drained. Your doctor will then examine the fluid and determine if there is a risk of cancer and more testing should be done.
     
  • Fine Needle Aspiration: Fine needle aspiration is used to determine the cause of a lump found in the breast. Using a very fine needle the doctor will precisely insert the needle into the lump and remove two to three samples for testing.
     
  • Computer-aided Detection: Computer-aided detection is a method through which images gained from a mammogram are converted to computer files and then a computer program is used to assist a radiologist in diagnosis.