Diagnostic radiology uses X-rays, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound and other non-invasive techniques to detect and treat breast cancer and other diseases.

These facts from the National Breast Cancer Foundation will give you an idea of why early detection of breast cancer through diagnostic radiology is so important:

• Breast cancer causes about 30% of all new cancers in women each year and is the second-most common cancer in women in the U.S., behind skin cancer.
• Breast cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages.
• When breast cancer is found early and is still in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

Let’s take a closer look at diagnostic radiology, including the different types of breast imaging techniques and how they help with diagnosis and treatment to achieve better health outcomes and save lives.

What is diagnostic radiology?

Diagnostic radiology is a branch of medicine that uses advanced imaging technologies, including X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scans), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scans), to provide pictures of the body’s internal structures. Diagnostic radiologists analyze the images to make diagnoses and recommend treatment plans.

The cutting-edge imaging tools  used in diagnostic radiology make it easier to detect and assess breast abnormalities — even before symptoms are noticeable. It greatly improves treatment results by allowing for early identification and monitoring of breast diseases.

Types of breast cancer imaging techniques

There are several imaging techniques for breast health. The most common ones are:

Mammography

Mammograms  are X-ray images of the breasts. The images can show tumor and microcalcifications that might indicate the presence of cancer. Screening mammograms are those done as a precaution in the absence of outward signs or symptoms.

Diagnostic mammograms are done after signs or symptoms of the disease have been found, such as a lump, breast pain, thickening of the skin, a change in the size or shape of the breast, and nipple discharge. Diagnostic mammograms also are used if breast implants or some other factor makes it difficult to perform a screening mammogram.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation  recommends mammograms every one or two years for women 40 and older. The foundation urges women younger than 40 to discuss mammograms if they have risk factors for breast cancer.

Breast ultrasound

Ultrasound technology employs sound waves to produce pictures of the breast tissue to identify problems that might otherwise go undetected. It can differentiate between solid tumors that could need more testing and harmless fluid-filled cysts. Breast ultrasounds, in additional to a mammogram, can be useful for women who have dense breast tissue or get uncertain results from a mammogram. There is no radiation exposure with an ultrasound. Ultrasound can confirm a breast cancer diagnosis and guide treatment options without radiation exposure. An ultrasound also can be used to guide physicians as they insert needles to perform biopsies.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is another way to get high-resolution breast pictures without radiation. It sometimes is used in screening for women who have dense breast tissue or a high risk for breast cancer. It can spot anomalies in the breasts, including cancerous tissue, that mammography and ultrasound cannot. It’s also helpful for tracking the course of treatment and figuring out how much cancer is present when mammograms aren’t clear.

3D mammography (Tomosynthesis)

Breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, is a technique that uses a series of X-ray pictures to produce a three-dimensional representation of the breast. Traditional mammograms only give flat images, whereas 3D mammography offers both 2D and 3D images. This enhances diagnostic precision, reduces the need for follow-up imaging, and helps detect malignancies early.

Benefits of diagnostic radiology in breast health

Diagnostic radiology benefits  breast health in several important ways:

• Early detection. Diagnostic radiology provides vital tools for detecting health problems in their early stages when treatment often can be more effective. Research shows that screening mammography can “help reduce deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74 years at average risk of breast cancer, with the evidence of benefit being strongest for women ages 50 to 69 years,” according to the National Cancer Institute.
• Accurate diagnosis and monitoring. Self-examination is a good tool for women to use for early detection, but diagnostic radiology can provide detailed pictures of breast tissues. Doctors often use a combination of these diagnostic imaging methods to enhance the accuracy of their diagnoses. During treatment, these techniques can give precise indicators of changes in the breasts and other tissues to help doctors assess recovery in breast cancer patients.
• Minimally invasive. Diagnostic radiology’s capacity to provide precise information about interior structures and disorders without intrusive measures is one of its most notable advantages. This minimizes the need for exploratory procedures, reducing risks for patients and speeding up the healing process.

Who should consider diagnostic radiology for breast health?

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends women aged 40-44 have the option to start annual screening, while women aged 45-54 should get a mammogram every year recommend getting a mammogram annually to help find breast cancer.

Additional screening may be necessary for women with dense breast tissue. The Task Force also stresses frequent follow-up exams for individuals with abnormal mammogram results. In such cases, other diagnostic radiology techniques can provide crucial insights providing advanced imaging clarity and detailed evaluation.

When a person has a strong family history of breast cancer or certain genetic characteristics, they are considered to be at high risk  for acquiring the illness. People who have a personal or familial history of breast cancer, have a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, or have had breast cancer in the past fall into this category. High-risk patients should combine mammography with additional screening methods like MRI to identify cancer earlier.

What to expect during a breast imaging appointment

During a mammogram , you’ll stand in front of an X-ray machine and place one breast on a platform. A technologist will bring down a plastic screen to flatten your breast so the machine can get a detailed picture of the tissue inside. The compression lasts for about 10 to 15 seconds. You might feel discomfort, and some women experience pain. You can talk to the technologist about this so that adjustments can be made. Two X-rays are done on each breast, one with horizontal and one with vertical compression. The entire process takes about 20 minutes.

The procedure for a 3D mammogram  is similar, except that the machine will move in an arc over or along the breast as images are taken.

Ultrasound imaging  of the breast is made possible by a small, hand-held instrument called a transducer, which emits sound waves and records the echoes produced when the sound bounces off tissues. A gel is placed on the skin and then the technologist glides the transducer across the skin. You might feel some pressure, but the procedure typically is painless. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

To get a breast MRI , the patient must lie on their stomach on a table that has an opening for her breasts. The table is then slid into the MRI machine. The patient simply lies still while the machine creates the images. However, the machine does make loud banging sounds, and patients may wear ear plugs and we provide headphones with the music of their choice. The patient will need to have an IV for contract injection, which is a liquid dye used to fine tumors. Patients might feel uncomfortable staying inside the machine, but the scan is painless. The scanning takes about 20 minutes.

Your healthcare practitioner will make every effort to make these women’s health imaging procedures as comfortable as possible for you. The advantages of an early diagnosis through proactive radiology and breast care more than compensate for any short-term discomfort.

Why choose Florida Medical Clinic for diagnostic radiology in breast health?

Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health offers a wide range of diagnostic radiology for breast conditions. Our innovative technologies, combined with a patient-centered approach, help with early diagnosis and effective treatment for breast cancer. With multiple office locations, we make it simple to schedule each breast cancer screening.

Your doctor will help you understand the role of radiology in breast health. Our integrated care concept enables all your doctors to collaborate and create a personalized treatment plan just for you.

Schedule your next screening appointment at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health for quality care.

About Dr. Pastore

Jahnavi “Janel” Pastore, MD, MBA, combines extensive academic study with a caring, empathetic approach to patient treatment. Her 18 years of expertise as a board-certified radiologist allow her to provide highly accurate diagnostic services and compassionate care. She went to Tufts University School of Medicine for her medical degree and Lahey Hospital and Medical Center for further training in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and body imaging.

As our Chief of Breast Imaging, Dr. Pastore will provide comprehensive screening and diagnostic services at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health. Request an appointment with Dr. Pastore by calling (813) 315-1516.