Finding a lump in your breast can be scary as this may often be associated with breast cancer. It is important to have lumps in your breast checked out. At the Saint James Hospital Breast Clinic, we use the most advanced technology and imaging systems to provide you with the best possible diagnosis, treatment and care as necessary.

Breast imaging is a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology. It involves a range of imaging procedures, found below.

A mammogram is an X-ray test that produces an image of the inner breast tissue on film in order to visualise normal and abnormal structures within the breasts. Mammography can help in identifying cysts, calcifications, and tumours within the breast using low dose technique, potentially before any symptoms are evident.

Breast ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of breast tissue. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasound doesn’t use radiation and are considered to be safe for pregnant women. It is also used as a supplementary modality to mammography thus providing additional information in areas seen on mammography.

Breast ultrasound can be used to reveal the tissue composition and blood flow in the breast and provide information and or likelihood whether a lump is cancerous or not, based on the plane of orientation and acoustic properties of the lesion. This modality is crucial in image-guided breast biopsies where a sample of tissue or fluid is retrieved from the lump and sent to be examined in a laboratory.

Our clinic provides people diagnosed with breast cancer a team-based approach to treatment including specialists, gynaecologists and nurses.

For those women who need treatment for breast cancer, we offer the most comprehensive, effective and least invasive treatment methods. Our philosophy is breast preservation, through lumpectomy and radiation therapy, when possible.

We’re sensitive to the anxiety that women with breast cancer experience — counselling and emotional support are integral parts of the Breast Care team.