The Breast Clinic, which forms part of the Radiology and Imaging department, provides outstanding diagnostic, surgical and support services. Our specialists focus primarily on breast health and cancerous and non-cancerous breast disease.
Breast imaging
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.
Mammography
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.
Tomosynthesis
Tomosynthesis is an advanced type of mammography. A tomosynthesis takes multiple images of the breast. These images are sent to a computer that uses an algorithm to combine them into a 3D image of the entire breast.
The mammogram in general, can highlight changes in breast architecture consistent with non-cancerous (benign) and/or malignant changes thus warranting further investigations and subsequent treatment. It is still the most efficient and effective modality to examine ladies above the age of 40. At Saint James Hospital mammographic images are recorded digitally onto a computer for the radiologist to review and report – this type of mammography emits a lower dose of radiation and produces immediate images. This examination takes around 20 minutes in total.
A Mammogram is recommended for all women above the age of 40 and should be repeated every 12 to 18 months, depending on the individual case. Women with a mother or sister who had breast cancer at a younger age should consider yearly mammograms starting a year earlier than the age at which their youngest family member was diagnosed.
Breast ultrasound
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.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI is recommended for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, suspected leak or rupture of a breast implant, high risk of breast cancer or a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. This is a non-invasive imaging technique which does not expose the patient to dangerous radiation.
This is an outpatient procedure and patients may resume their daily routine once completed.
Breast Care
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.
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