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Diagnostic Breast Imaging

We’re here to help you find the answers you need.

Diagnostic imaging serves a critical role in breast health. Our comprehensive breast imaging provides Western Montana patients with greater insights for your health and potential breast cancer treatment. Using advanced technology, our breast imaging specialists and technologists will guide you through your exam providing comfort at every step. For women with dense breast tissue or at high risk of breast cancer, a breast MRI or ABUS exam may be recommended, in addition to digital mammography. If breast cancer is suspected, these exams as well as a breast biopsy may be advised, and for women diagnosed with breast cancer, they can help determine the size and location of the cancer. For women undergoing breast cancer treatment, our breast imaging specialists are part of your care team, offering significant attention and support.

 

We proudly hold the American College of Radiology gold seal in Breast MRI, meeting highest quality and safety standards.

Breast MRI

MRIs provide highly detailed images and are used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions. In addition to mammography, breast MRIs are sometimes used for women who have dense breast tissue or may be at high risk for breast cancer. They can be used to rule out cancer or find the extent of breast cancer if detected during a biopsy.

  • Please wear a two-piece outfit with comfortable pants. You will be required to remove your top and change into a gown.
  • Continue taking your prescribed medications.
  • Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your study. We encourage you to leave all jewelry at home but can offer a secure location for valuables if you forget.
  • If you have an implanted medical device, be prepared to provide our staff with the manufacturer name, model number and device name.
  • A quality MRI study is dependent on your ability to remain still for the entirety of your exam. If you think you may be in too much pain to remain still or are claustrophobic, please talk with your healthcare provider about the possibility of taking pretreatment medications.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. This will give you time to fill out any necessary forms and change into a gown.
  • You may receive an injection of contrast dye that helps to differentiate normal from abnormal tissues. Some patients describe a metallic taste or cool sensation after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides quickly.
  • Our MRI scanners are wide open on both ends, well-lit and ventilated.
  • For the scan, your MRI technologist will put you in position on the MRI bed, likely face-down with your arms placed above your head. Your breasts will fit into a hollow space in the table, which contains coils. Once you’re comfortable, the technologist will move the table into the MRI scanner. You will be able to speak to and hear the technologist over an intercom.
  • The equipment does not touch your body, but you will hear buzzing and tapping noises from the machine. We will supply you with ear plugs and/or headphones and can talk with you throughout the tests.
  • The scan takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
  • If you have renal disease, a kidney transplant, diabetes or gout.
  • If you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
  • If you have aneurysm clips.
  • If you have other implantable devices such as a heart valve, middle ear prosthesis, tissue expanders or implanted neurostimulator.
  • If you know or suspect that you have metal fragments in or around your eye(s).

Abbreviated Breast MRI (AB-MRI)

An abbreviated breast MRI, known as AB-MRI, is a shortened version of a full breast MRI. The scan is faster and more affordable. It’s an effective diagnostic tool to evaluate for cancers that may be missed on mammography and is appropriate for women with dense breasts at average risk of breast cancer.

  • When making your appointment, consult the scheduler and your insurance on the cost of the exam. Currently, AB-MRI is self-pay and not covered by most insurances.
  • Please wear a two-piece outfit with comfortable pants. You will be required to remove your top and change into a gown.
  • Continue taking your prescribed medications.
  • Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your study. We encourage you to leave all jewelry at home but can offer a secure location for valuables if you forget.
  • If you have an implanted medical device, be prepared to provide our staff with the manufacturer name, model number and device name.
  • A quality MRI study is dependent on your ability to remain still for the entirety of your exam. If you think you may be in too much pain to remain still or are claustrophobic, please talk with your healthcare provider about the possibility of taking pretreatment medications.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. This will give you time to fill out any necessary forms and change into a gown.
  • You will receive an injection of contrast dye that helps to differentiate normal from abnormal tissues. Some patients describe a metallic taste or cool sensation after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides quickly.
  • Our MRI scanners are wide open on both ends, well-lit and ventilated.
  • For the scan, your MRI technologist will put you in position on the MRI bed, likely face-down with your arms placed above your head. Your breasts will fit into a hollow space in the table, which contains coils. Once you’re comfortable, the technologist will move the table into the MRI scanner. You will be able to speak to and hear the technologist over an intercom.
  • The equipment does not touch your body, but you will hear buzzing and tapping noises from the machine. We will supply you with ear plugs and/or headphones and can talk with you throughout the tests.
  • The scan takes around 15 minutes.
  • If you have renal disease, a kidney transplant, diabetes or gout.
  • If you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
  • If you have aneurysm clips.
  • If you have other implantable devices such as a heart valve, middle ear prosthesis, tissue expanders or implanted neurostimulator.
  • If you know or suspect that you have metal fragments in or around your eye(s).

We proudly hold the American College of Radiology gold seal in Breast Ultrasound, meeting highest quality and safety standards.

AUTOMATED BREAST ULTRASOUND SYSTEM (ABUS)

ABUS is a secondary screening exam designed for women with dense breasts. Tumors and dense breast tissue both appear white on mammograms, which can make detecting a tumor more challenging. ABUS, or automated breast ultrasound system, uses 3D ultrasound technology to provide clearer images through dense breast tissue, making it easier to see potential tumors.

Your prep for ABUS is similar to that for a standard mammogram. However, for this procedure, instead of standing you lie on an exam table. An ultrasound transducer, which looks a bit like a clear plate, is applied with gentle pressure. A full exam typically takes 15 – 20 minutes.

Breast Biopsy

If a mammogram or other imaging study shows a change in your breast such as a lump, a minimally invasive breast biopsy may be recommended. A breast biopsy is an image-guided medical procedure that removes a small sample of tissue so that it may be examined by a pathologist. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and results in little discomfort and scarring. We offer three types of breast biopsy: breast MRI, stereotactic (X-ray) or ultrasound.  The type of biopsy performed depends on the location and size of the area of concern.

  • We will call you prior to your exam to obtain your medical history and answer any questions you may have. We encourage you to ask questions.
  • Check in at the reception desk 10 minutes before your appointment.
  • If you are having a breast MRI biopsy, do not eat during the four hours before your procedure; however, liquids are okay. You may eat a light meal before all other types of biopsies (stereotactic or ultrasound). Remember to take your medications unless otherwise instructed by our staff.
  • Wear a front-opening shirt and a supportive bra without an underwire that provides some compression after the procedure.
  • To perform your breast biopsy, our radiologist will use equipment such as stereotactic (X-ray) mammography, ultrasound or MRI to help guide the removal of the small tissue sample.
  • The biopsy will take one to two hours.
  • You may resume light activity 30 minutes after your biopsy. Please do not lift or push more than 10 pounds for 24 hours. You may start normal activity in 48 hours.
  • Please wait 24 hours before showering and do not soak in water, bathe or swim for three days.
  • Your healthcare provider will receive the pathology results of your biopsy and will consult with you on any next steps.

How can we help?

Still not finding what you need? Please give us a call at (406) 327-3950.

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