Mammography

mamografia

Digital mammography is an innovative breast examination technique that uses a low radiation dose, thus reducing exposure compared to conventional mammography. The image is digitised using special cassettes on a system known as CR (Computed Radiography). These digitalisation techniques provide excellent images, especially in breasts that are difficult to examine, such as glandular breasts, which appear dense on mammograms, enabling better detection of tumours in this group of patients.

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biopsia

The presence of clustered microcalcifications may be an early form of breast cancer. Stereotactic biopsy is used to diagnose these small lesions. In this procedure, the lesion is located on the mammogram and a computer connected to the mammography machine uses a guidance system to determine the exact point and depth of the puncture. The radiologist performs the biopsy after administering local anaesthesia to the area, removing several millimetre-sized fragments of the lesion (5 to 10) so that the pathologist can then diagnose the condition. The average duration of the procedure is 20 minutes and causes slight discomfort.

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arpon

Small, non-palpable breast lesions requiring limited surgery, which need to be marked prior to the procedure by placing a harpoon in the area to be examined. The harpoon is a thin wire with an angled tip (harpoon) that remains fixed in the designated area of the breast. Under mammographic or ultrasound guidance, the radiologist inserts the harpoon into the lesion, where it remains fixed. This will enable the surgeon to locate the injury safely. The average duration of the procedure is 20 minutes and causes slight discomfort. It is usually performed a few hours before going into the operating theatre, although it can be done the day before.

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ecografia

This imaging method uses sound waves create an image of blood vessels, tissues and organs, including the breasts. Ultrasound imaging allows for the evaluation of abnormalities detected by mammography or clinical examination, distinguishing between solid and fluid lesions (cysts).

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paaf

In fine needle aspiration (FNA), a thin needle is inserted under ultrasound guidance into a suspicious area of the breast; a syringe is then used to extract a small amount of tissue, which is sent for cytological examination. It is also used to puncture and drain breast cysts and analyse their contents. The procedure lasts only a few minutes and causes slight discomfort.

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A core-needle biopsy or core biopsy involves obtaining a cylinder of tissue for histological study. Under ultrasound guidance and after administering local anaesthesia, the needle is placed in the area to be studied and, using an automatic cutting system, several millimetre-long cylinders of tissue are obtained. It is a relatively short and relatively painless procedure. It allows a significant sample to be obtained for histological study.

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It consists of marking diagnosed cancer lesions to indicate their exact location in order to apply radiotherapy selectively so that it affects the tumour with minimal impact on neighbouring tissues. This procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance, locating the tumour and inserting the gold seeds (3 to 4 seeds) as markers at four points around its periphery.

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marcaje

Chemotherapy may be administered prior to surgery in the treatment of breast cancer. The tumours decrease in size, sometimes very markedly, making them difficult to locate during surgery. The technique involves placing a titanium clip in the centre of the lesions diagnosed as cancerous. It is performed under ultrasound guidance in most cases, or by mammography.

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galact

This radiological technique examines the mammary ducts to diagnose the presence of lesions inside them, usually small tumours or stenosis. It is indicated in patients who present nipple discharge when it affects only a single nipple ductal orifice. The technique consists of introducing contrast, usually about 2 cc, into the opening of the inadequate secretion, prior to dilating it. A series of mammograms are then performed to study the duct. It is a thorough but painless test.

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