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Radiology at Saint Raphael's
Breast imaging studies
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The most advanced diagnostic tests
Whether you need an annual screening mammogram, advanced ultrasound or sophisticated diagnostic MRI breast imaging, the Hospital of Saint Raphael offers you the advantage of state-of-the-art equipment combined with the expertise of experienced radiologists and staff in a warm and caring environment.
DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY
Saint Raphael's offers new digital mammography services to help detect possible breast disease, including cancer (screening mammography), and to evaluate the breast's condition if a problem is suspected (diagnostic mammography). A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast.
Unlike traditional mammograms, digital mammography incorporates computer technology, enabling the radiologist to view the breast images in several different ways and with greater flexibility on a viewing station. The station is equipped with a computer aided detection (CAD) system programmed to mark potential areas of abnormality, increasing diagnostic accuracy. Mammograms, as well as ultrasound and MRI studies may also be used to locate an abnormality in preparation for a biopsy.
As a screening exam, digital mammography is found to be more beneficial to women under age 50; women of any age with very or extremely dense breasts; and pre- or perimenopausal women. The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older have an annual screening mammogram.
Preparing for the exam
On the day of the exam, do not use deodorant, perfume or lotion on your breasts before the exam since such items can produce artifacts simulating disease on the mammogram.
During the exam
The digital mammogram is done the same way as a traditional mammogram and takes about 15 minutes. The patient wears a gown after removing clothes from the waist up; jewelry may also need to be removed. For the X-ray, which studies one breast at a time, the breast is compressed between two plates. A foam pad is used to cushion the breast, increasing patient comfort.
Location and scheduling an exam
- Mammograms are offered in the Radiology Department, located on the first floor of the hospital, close to the hospital's George Street Garage entrance.
- Exams are conducted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with screening mammograms also available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. To schedule an appointment (physician's order required), call 203-789-5154.
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STATE-OF-THE-ART ULTRASOUND
If mammography results warrant additional breast imaging studies or a biopsy, an ultrasound examination may be ordered. An ultrasound analyzes abnormalities found on mammograms; evaluates lumps that are felt; and helps find possible lesions that might not be visible on mammograms. Ultrasound, which does not use radiation, may also be used as another method to evaluate women with dense breasts; at a higher risk for breast cancer; or who are pregnant. Ultrasound imaging is painless and uses high-frequency sound waves to scan and project visual images from inside the human body.
An ultrasound-guided biopsy or aspiration is performed to sample suspicious tissue or fluid from a cyst. This type of procedure is done by using a needle to extract sample fluid or tissue for study. Cyst aspiration uses a small needle to remove fluid, whereas fine needle aspiration removes suspicious cells, and a core needle biopsy employs a larger size needle to obtain a much larger tissue sample. The patient is given a local anesthetic and is awake during the biopsy. A very small nick is made in the skin, just large enough to allow entry of the needle for tissue sampling. No sutures are required after the biopsy, only small bandages are required to dress the skin biopsy site.
Preparing for an ultrasound
The patient will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and put on a gown.
During the exam
With an ultrasound, which lasts about 30 minutes, the physician will apply gel on the skin of the breast being examined. A transducer, a small hand-held device about the size of a bar of soap, will be placed firmly against the skin and swept back and forth to obtain images. The images, which are later interpreted by a radiologist, are immediately visible on a nearby screen.
Location and scheduling an exam
- Ultrasound exams are conducted in the Radiology Department, located on the first floor of the hospital, close to the hospital's George Street Garage entrance.
- Exams are conducted 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule one (physician's order required), call 203-789-5154.
- Ultrasound-guided aspiration and biopsy procedures will need to be scheduled by your referring physician and may also require a surgical consult.
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ADVANCED MRI TESTING
Saint Raphael's state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Center serves our patients needing more advanced breast studies.
An MRI study provides detailed, cross-sectional images of the breast and does not involve radiation. MRI testing to detect breast cancer will require intravenous injection of a contrast agent. MRI testing to evaluate breast implants does not require contrast agent injection. Two computer work stations support the MRI system, offering powerful, sophisticated ways to identify a breast abnormality, pinpoint its location and guide a biopsy needle to a suspicious site for further testing.
Preparing for an MRI
Usually there is no need to prepare for an MRI of your breast(s). If you're not receiving anesthesia, you can eat and drink normally before it, though it's best to avoid eating a high-sugar meal or drinking too much caffeine. It is very important that you bring any previous breast imaging studies you may have had relevant to your MRI exam, preferably a few days before your exam. Once at the MRI suite for your exam, you'll change into a patient gown and remove anything that may be affected by or attracted to the magnet (e.g., jewelry, credit cards).
During the exam
During the exam, which lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, you will lie on your stomach with chest down, and breasts placed through specific openings for scanning. You can listen to music and speak with staff during the MRI procedure. It's important to keep still and breathe regularly. Scan data is rapidly analyzed and displayed in 3-D format with color contrast to highlight specific areas of concern. Attachments may be added to the table for performing needle localization and biopsy procedures.
Depending on the type of MRI exam, a contrast dye may be injected into you. The MRI staff will discuss this with you and ask you questions about your health and allergies. The dye will be given to you via an intravenous line. You may feel a cool sensation at the IV entry point as the contrast agent is injected.
A breast biopsy can also be done using an MRI to pinpoint a lesion's location and direct a needle for biopsy. The MRI center also aids in performing breast lesion wire localization which involves placing a very small, fine wire at the area of concern, to help your surgeon obtain tissue specimens.
Hours & location
MRI studies are conducted 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the basement of the Orchard Medical Center, across from the hospital's Orchard Street Garage. To make an appointment, your physician's office should call 203-789-4120.
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