Mammography services

Sharp offers digital mammography to women undergoing routine mammograms. Digital mammography is the latest diagnostic technology available and provides highly precise and rapid scans for the radiologist. The new Selenia™ digital mammography system incorporates revolutionary imaging technology that provides patients with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor, and transmitted and stored just like computer files. The technology allows radiologists to view the X-ray images in a matter of seconds. They can adjust brightness, change contrast and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses and other changes that may be signs of early cancer. Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology.

To supplement this technology, Sharp offers digital computer-aided detection (CAD) as part of its comprehensive diagnostic services. CAD provides a "second read" of the digital mammogram by a computer and highlights characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer. When activated, it flags abnormalities to help the radiologist detect early breast cancer. CAD is, in essence, a second set of eyes to support and enhance the radiologist's judgment.

To further improve the mammogram experience, Sharp also uses the one-of-a-kind MammoPad®. It is an adhesive-backed, single-use cushion that brings warmth, comfort and cleanliness to the experience.

Advantages of digital mammography include:

• Improved diagnostic accuracy over traditional film screen techniques, especially in women under 50 and in women with particularly dense breast tissue

• Less radiation exposure to patients

• Reduced need for repeat exams due to under- or overexposure

• Significantly less time spent in the breast cancer center

The technologist will position you, compress your breast and take images from different angles. There is no additional compression required with 3D, and it only takes a few extra seconds. The technologist will work with you to ensure a comfortable mammography experience and to help eliminate any apprehension you may have about your mammogram being uncomfortable or painful.

Studies show that the 3D tomosynthesis exam is more accurate for women of all ages, with both dense and nondense breasts — and is the only mammogram approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as superior for women with dense breasts.

The 3D tomosynthesis exam is comparable to conventional 2D mammograms when using low-dose software.

Overall, about 70 percent of biopsies are benign. The rate of breast cancer diagnosis on biopsy is about 30 percent. When findings are suspicious enough for breast cancer to warrant a biopsy, otherwise known as "biopsy recommended" on a report, only 30 percent result in a breast cancer diagnosis.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy
In an FNA biopsy, a very thin, hollow needle attached to a syringe is used to withdraw (aspirate) a small amount of tissue from a suspicious area. The needle used for an FNA biopsy is thinner than the one used for blood tests.

Core needle biopsy
A core biopsy uses a larger needle to sample breast changes felt by the doctor or seen on an ultrasound, mammogram or MRI.

Stereotactic biopsy
The stereotactic-guided biopsy searches out the precise location of the abnormal area by using conventional mammography from three angles. It uses "stereo" X-rays (X-rays taken from multiple angles) and a special biopsy needle. A stereotactic breast biopsy is the most helpful when no lump can be felt but a mammography shows a mass, a cluster of microcalcifications (tiny calcium deposits that are closely grouped together) or an area of abnormal tissue change.

Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
A biopsy performed using ultrasound to locate the area in question. Ultrasound-guided biopsy requires no exposure to X-ray, and is a minimally invasive way to obtain a sample of breast tissue for further diagnosis. It is also faster and less painful than traditional surgical biopsy.

Surgical (open) biopsy
In rare cases, surgery is needed to remove all or part of the lump for testing. This is called a surgical or open biopsy. Most often, the surgeon removes the entire mass or abnormal area, as well as a surrounding margin of normal breast tissue.

There are two types of surgical biopsies:

• An incisional biopsy removes only part of the suspicious area, enough to make a diagnosis

• An excisional biopsy removes the entire tumor or abnormal area, with or without trying to take out an edge of normal breast tissue (depending on the reason for the biopsy)

You can expect a similar experience to a traditional screening. The technologist will position you on an X-ray machine, compress your breast and take images. Instead of taking pictures of your breast from two angles — up and down, and left and right — 3D mammography takes multiple images of each breast from many angles. A computer then produces a 3D image of your breast tissue in one-millimeter slices, providing greater visibility.

There is no additional compression with 3D, and it only takes a few extra seconds. The technologist will work with you to ensure a comfortable mammography experience and to help eliminate any apprehension you may have.

The tomosynthesis procedure is no different than having a conventional mammogram. Your typical appointment will be no more than 30 minutes.

The 3D tomosynthesis exam is comparable to conventional 2D mammograms when using low-dose radiation software.

A board-certified radiologist reads your 3D mammogram, and a report is delivered to your doctor. You can expect to receive your screening mammography results by mail within a week.

Annual mammograms should begin when you turn 40 — a recommendation supported by the American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology, American Society of Breast Surgeons and others.