NHRG - Breast Imaging

Department of Radiology,
Lister Hospital,
Stevenage,
Herts SG1 4AB

Email: Dr. Amerasekera
Tel: 01438 781 028
Fax: 01438 781 176

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The North Herts Radiology Group

BREAST IMAGING

Multiple Benign Cysts

Solitary Benign Cyst

Benign Fibroadenoma

Spiculated Carcinoma

Duct Carcinoma

Breast Imaging includes

Breast Examination
Ultrasound of the breast
Breast biopsy
Mammography
Fine needle aspiration
Breast Screening

Consultant Radiologist Dr. Helen Lee is in charge of the Breast Imaging Service both at the Lister Hospital and at Pinehill Hospital.

Breast assessment will be done by Consultant Radiologists who are specially trained in Breast Imaging. At the Lister Hospital the Breast Imaging Unit is situated on Level 3, at the entrance to Clinic A. Due to the limited size of the waiting room, we would be grateful if friends or relatives could use the waiting area in Clinic A.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy

This is an extremely simple technique that has been used in Sweden for decades but has only been developed widely in the US over the last ten years. A needle no wider than that typically used to give routine injections (22 to 25 gauge) is inserted into a lump (tumor), and a few tens to thousands of cells are drawn up (aspirated) into a syringe. These are smeared on a slide, stained, and examined under a microscope by the pathologist. A diagnosis can often be rendered in a few minutes. Tumors of deep, hard-to-get-to structures (pancreas, lung, and liver, for instance) are especially good candidates for FNA, as the only other way to sample them is with major surgery. Such FNA procedures are typically done by a radiologist under guidance by ultrasound or computed tomography (CT scan) and require no anaesthesia, not even local anaesthesia. Thyroid lumps are also excellent candidates for FNA. · Because of recent interest in cost containment, FNA is now widely applied in diagnosing breast lumps.

Stereotactic needle biopsy

This relatively new technique for evaluating breast lesions attempts to combine the advantages of FNA (no scar, no anaesthesia, inexpensive) with an excisional biopsy (acquisition of solid pieces of tissue rather than smears) and needle localization (precise guidance by x-ray or ultrasound imaging).

Mammography

What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a special X-Ray examination of the Breasts.
Preparation for your Mammogram
We ask you not to wear deodorant or talcum powder when coming for your examination, as they may show up on the images.
Who takes the Mammogram?
A specially trained female Radiographer will take the Mammogram, she will explain the procedure to you and ask a few questions about your medical history.
How long does it take?
The examination usually takes about 20 minutes. You will then be asked to wait a short time, until the Radiographer has checked your films.
Will it be painful?
To enable us to take good quality images, we will need to compress your breasts with a special pad during the examination. This may be uncomfortable but only lasts for a very short time and is rarely painful. Breast Imaging Unit is situated on Level 3, at the entrance to Clinic A. Due to the limited size of the waiting room, we would be grateful if friends or relatives could use the waiting area in Clinic A.
What happens after the Mammogram?
Your films will be examined by a Consultant Radiologist specially trained in breast imaging, who will send a report to the referring Doctor. Please do not ask the Radiographer for the results. It is sometimes necessary to recall patients for further films or for further examination, for example Ultrasound. If you have any queries about the examination or about breast care in general, you can telephone the breast care nurse on: 01438 -314333. Ext. 4221
The Breast Imaging Unit is committed to providing a service of the highest quality. The Department is equipped with quality equipment, which is operated by specially trained Radiographers. The service is constantly monitored, to ensure that we produce high quality images whilst keeping the radiation dose to the patient as low as possible. We believe the care and well-being of the patient to be of primary importance and respect their right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality.

Cyst Aspiration

Cysts are fluid collections in the breast that are very common and are almost always completely benign. The cyst is identified with ultrasound. Occasionally, when cysts look unusual on ultrasound or when they are painful, a doctor will recommend aspiration. The breast is injected with local anaesthetic, and a small needle (about the same size as that used to draw blood) is used to drain the fluid. The procedure takes five to ten minutes and is usually painless. The patient goes home immediately following the procedure and may resume all of her normal activities.