Overview

Diagnostic Imaging

华体会 uses the latest diagnostic techniques to provide patients with high-quality care. Diagnostic imaging includes mammography, ultrasound and MRI. These tests are used if you have:
  • A symptom of breast cancer or breast abnormality
  • A family history of breast cancer
  • A concerning finding from a screening mammogram or other imaging test

    • In addition, diagnostic imaging is used if you need follow-up from a previously identified, likely non-cancerous (benign) finding.

    Diagnostic imaging takes additional images to get more information on the size and location of a breast abnormality. It also provides more information about the nature of the abnormality. For example, in many cases, diagnostic imaging will tell us if the abnormality is benign (not cancer). However, if an abnormality is concerning, we may order additional breast imaging or a breast biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to determine whether an abnormality is breast cancer.

    If you have had a lumpectomy for breast cancer, you will be seen at our diagnostic clinic at regular intervals for 3 years after surgery. Once imaging findings are stable for 3 years, you can return to yearly screening.

    Diagnostic imaging requires a physician's referral. However, if you had a referral for any breast imaging at 华体会 in the past 2 years, you do not need a new one.

Mammogram Call-Back Frequently Asked Questions

If you recently had a screening mammogram at 华体会, you may get called back for more imaging.

Below are common questions and answers about what this means.

  • Why do I need to come back?
  • Does this mean I have cancer?
  • What will I need to do?
  • What should I expect during the appointment?
  • When will I get my results?

Getting called back after a screening mammogram is common, especially after a first mammogram.

You may get called back after a screening mammogram for a few reasons, including:

  • Your images show a change from your previous images.
  • We did not receive previous images, so we do not know what is normal for your breast.

No. Getting called back after a screening mammogram does not mean you have cancer. It just means we need to do more tests to get a closer look at an area identified by the radiologist.

Most of these findings are not serious. In fact, more than 90% of women called back for additional tests do not have cancer.

We will help you schedule any additional tests requested by your radiologist. The tests may include any of these:

  • A diagnostic mammogram, which involves taking more X-ray images of the breast
  • An ultrasound, which involves using a wand on the breast to create a picture of the tissue inside
  • An MRI, which is a scan that creates very clear images of the inside of your breasts

The appointment may take up to 3 hours. During the appointment, the radiologist will look at all of your images and determine if additional testing is necessary.

You will get your results of the diagnostic imaging and recommended next steps during the appointment. If a biopsy is recommended, it will likely be performed at a later date.