Mammograms, MRIs, stereotactic breast biopsies—it can all feel a bit overwhelming. There’s a lot of terminology that you may not be familiar with when it comes to breast health services—but no worries, we’re here to help break it all down.
- Full field digital mammography: Mammography is the best first line of defense to detect early signs of breast cancer. A full field digital mammogram, or a traditional 2D mammogram, takes a series of x-rays of a woman’s breast and creates a 2D image of the breast.
- Breast Ultrasound: A breast ultrasound produces pictures of the internal structure of the breast using sound waves. It is most commonly used following diagnosis of breast lumps or other abnormalities a physician may have found during an examination, breast MRI, or mammogram.
- Breast MRI: A breast MRI offers a second look as a supplemental tool to a mammography or ultrasound. It uses a powered magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the breast tissue. A breast MRI may be the appropriate tool for women with a high risk of breast cancer and for those who have a diagnosis.
- 3D Mammography: A 3D mammogram takes a series of x-rays of the breast from different angles to create a 3-dimensional image of the breast. A 3D mammogram is highly recommended as it can significantly improve cancer detection, lead to a better prognosis, and typically has a lower recall rate (fewer rate of women returning for additional imaging) than a traditional mammogram alone.
- Surgical Breast Biopsies: A surgical procedure extracting cells from the area of concern from the breast to test for cancer cells.
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA): Using a very thin needle, a very small amount of tissue or fluid is taken from the concerned location to test for cancer cells.
- Core needle biopsy (CNB): Using a wide, hollow needle, pieces of breast tissue are taken from the concerned location to test for cancer cells.
- Ultrasound Breast Biopsies: An ultrasound breast biopsy uses ultrasound imaging to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the concerned location to obtain a sample of the tissue or mass.
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsies: A stereotactic breast biopsy uses a special mammography machine to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the concerned location to obtain a sample of the tissue or mass.
Here at Fairview Range, we pride ourselves on providing state-of-the-art equipment to help detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. We’re here to answer any questions to may have when it comes to your breast health. Contact us for more information, or to schedule your mammogram today.
Fairview Range Medical Center
750 E 34th St, Hibbing, MN 55746
Phone: 218-362-6207
*The Breast Center is located in the Diagnostic Imaging Department on the second floor of Fairview Range Medical Center. Use the north parking lot and entrance to find us.
