What are Breast Assessment Services?

Breast assessment can include the following services:

• Dedicated Breast Ultrasound
• Ultrasound - Guided Core Biopsy
• Mammography
• Mammography - Guided Core Biopsy
• Hook-wire localization
• Galactogram
• Breast MRI
• Specialized Radiologists & Technologists
• Pathology expertise in breast sample analysis

You will be referred by your doctor or surgeon for a complete evaluation if you have:

• abnormal screening mammography
• clinical abnormality in your breast such as lumps, changes in shape, dimpling or discharge.

The Pasqua Hospital is accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists.

Why an Accredited Facility?

An accredited facility meets national standards that ensure high quality breast imaging and ongoing monitoring of staff and equipment.

These standards are set by the Canadian Association of Radiologists - Mammography Accreditation Program.

Following are descriptions of some of the tests you might have:

Dedicated Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an excellent way to evaluate breast abnormalities detected by mammography, the patient or her doctor. Ultrasound units vary and certain units and probes are better at breast imaging than others.

A “dedicated breast ultrasound” is done by specialty staff who perform a large number of breast ultrasounds and develops an expertise for accurate diagnosis.

Ultrasound-Guided Core Biopsy

This is a highly accurate way to evaluate a suspicious mass. An ultrasound probe is placed over the site of the breast abnormality. Using local anesthesia, the radiologist guides a biopsy needle directly into the area. Tissue specimens are then taken. This procedure takes less than an hour. The patient can then return home.

The pathologist will examine the tissue specimens. A definite diagnosis will be available within a week, and will tell you whether the breast mass is benign or cancerous.

Mammography - Guided Core Biopsy

At times, a breast abnormality is only visible on a mammogram. The radiologist must use a x-ray guided approach to place the biopsy needle into the mass for tissue sampling.

This procedure is quick and accurate using the digital mammography unit.

A Hook-Wire Localization

When an abnormality is too small to feel, a tiny wire is placed in the breast before biopsy to identify the area to be removed by the surgeon. This is followed by a surgical biopsy.

Galactogram

A galactogram is a special mammogram to image the milk ducts to see if there is a tiny tumor within a duct. This is done when discharge from a nipple is a concern.

Breast MRI

In certain circumstances, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the breast will be done. This will be done at the Regina General Hospital.

In Conclusion

If you have an abnormality, see your doctor and ask about breast assessment.

The sooner a breast concern is investigated, the better the outcome.

For more information contact: 306-766-2097

Mammography Department
Pasqua Hospital
4101 Dewdney Avenue
Regina, SK S4T 1A5