Mammography
Langley Clinic now offers Fully Digital Mammography
Available at our Langley clinic, a mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast tissue. In keeping with new technology our clinic has recently been equipped with a brand new digital mammography system.
The exam takes approximately 15 minutes. Results are sent to your doctor so that he or she can discuss them with you. They are available within 2 - 3 days.
Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic mammography is an x-ray exam of the breasts that is performed in order to evaluate a breast complaint or abnormality detected by physical exam or routine screening mammography. Special additional views of the breast are usually taken in diagnostic mammography, as opposed to four views typically taken with screening mammography.
The goal of diagnostic mammography is to pinpoint the exact size and location of breast abnormality and to image the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. Often diagnostic mammography will help show that an abnormality is highly likely to be benign (non-cancerous). The radiologist may then recommend that the woman return at a later date for a follow-up mammogram, typically in six months. If an abnormality seen with diagnostic mammography is suspicious, additional breast imaging (with exams such as ultrasound) or a biopsy may be ordered.
Please note that women who are recalled for additional or special views following screening mammography should not be alarmed. Abnormalities in 8 out of 10 patients that get recalled for additional views following screening are subsequently categorized as "benign" or "probably benign".
Screening Mammography patients click here for more information.
Fine Wire Localizations
Fine wire localization is performed after an abnormality found during mammography is determined by the radiologist to require surgical biopsy. A thin wire is placed in the breast in the mammography department which serves as a guide for the surgeon. The patient is then sent to the hospital for removal of the suspicious area by the surgeon.
Fortunately, a significant percentage of these surgical biopsies will result in a benign diagnosis.
Preparation as advised by surgeon.
Galactogram
Ductography (also called galactography) is a special type of contrast enhanced mammography used for imaging the breast ducts.
For this procedure x-ray dye is injected into the breast duct prior to the mammogram. It is done to see if there is an abnormality within the duct that may be causing discharge.