Sometimes a mammogram or breast exam discovers an area that needs a closer look. This does not mean you have breast cancer.
A follow-up breast assessment is very common and simply the next step in finding out what an area of concern means. Most breast changes are not cancer, and additional testing helps your care team determine the next step for your breast healthcare. Depending on what is seen and your individual circumstances, your assessment may involve one or more types of breast imaging or a biopsy. Your assessment is tailored to the area of concern and the information available from your previous imaging or clinical examination.
Diagnostic mammography
A diagnostic mammogram (X-Ray) takes more detailed images of a specific area of the breast than a routine screening mammogram.
Additional mammogram views, such as magnification or tomographic (3D) views, may be used to look more closely at an area seen on a previous imaging exam.
Breast ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the breast.It can provide additional information about an area that feels abnormal or that is seen on a mammogram and can help distinguish between different types of breast tissue and findings, including fluid-filled cysts and solid areas.
Ultrasound may also be used to guide certain procedures, such as a biopsy.
Breast MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast.
MRI is used for specific clinical situations and is not required for every breast assessment.
Biopsy
Sometimes imaging shows an area that needs to be examined more closely.
A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. At Breast Imaging Kingston, biopsies can be guided using imaging such as mammography, ultrasound or MRI.
A biopsy is the test that can determine whether cells in a tissue sample are cancerous. Having a biopsy does not mean you have cancer. It means your care team needs more information to understand what was found.
Why might I need additional testing?
You may be called back for further imaging if an area noted on a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI requires further investigation. A breast symptom to include a lump or other area needs closer examination
Sometimes additional images simply provide a different perspective and show that everything is normal.
Other times, your radiologist may recommend further imaging or a biopsy to clarify the finding.
