Mammography and breast imaging

Mammography is a low-dose X-ray of the breast, and it finds changes too small to feel. Ultrasound and MRI add to it when more is needed.

The reporting workstation, with several screens, in a room with a window

Finds changes too small to feel.

A dedicated breast coil for the 3 Tesla MRI.

Biopsies are guided by imaging to the exact spot.

Three views of the breast

Mammography

A low-dose X-ray, the screening test. It finds changes too small to feel.

Ultrasound

A second view, particularly in younger or denser breasts, and for a lump.

3T breast MRI

With a dedicated breast coil. Used in women at high risk, for a known cancer, or when the other scans are not enough.

What a mammogram is like

It takes about twenty minutes. The breast is pressed briefly between two plates, which is uncomfortable for a moment, and the pressure is what gives a clear picture with a low dose. Your doctor will say when screening should start for you.

If something is found

A biopsy takes the sample needed for a diagnosis. At Tesla it is guided by imaging to the exact spot. Reports are written by radiologists who read breast and body imaging, and say what a finding means for the next step.