(587) 623-6650

Your NE Calgary Choice for all your Breast Assessment Needs

Breast Assessment | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic

Saddletown Radiology is committed to your overall health and well-being. That is why we are pleased to provide comprehensive and state-of-the art diagnostic options for the assessment of breast abnormalities. The prevalence of breast cancer makes it crucial to take the necessary steps to assess the health of your breasts. If any abnormalities are found, the goal is to start treatment at the earliest and most treatable stage. Saddletown Radiology is pleased to offer a number of Breast assessment methods, including mammograms, 3D tomosynthesis, ultrasound, and biopsies/aspirations. Our all-in-one breast imaging means we are able to provide patients the ease and convenience of having all required diagnostic imaging done in one place.

Breast Assessment | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic
Mammography | Breast Assessment | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic

Mammography

Mammography | Breast Assessment | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic

Mammography uses a low-dose X-ray to produce detailed images of the internal structure of the breast, called a mammogram. Mammograms can be used for either screening or diagnostic purposes. For screening, mammography plays a very central role in early breast cancer detection since it can show changes in the breast before a patient or physician can feel them. This means that many cancers can be found when they are still quite small and have not yet spread. A diagnostic mammogram is used to investigate suspicious breast changes, like a new lump, breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening or nipple discharge. It is also used to evaluate unexpected findings on a screening mammogram. During a mammogram, your breasts are gradually compressed between two firm and clear surfaces on a platform. The pressure spreads out the breast tissue to even out its thickness and allow the X-ray to best penetrate the breast tissue and capture a clear picture of the internal tissue. The X-ray then captures black and white images that are displayed on a computer screen and examined for signs of cancer or other breast pathologies by a qualified radiologist.

3D Tomosynthesis

3D Tomosynthesis Breast Assessment | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic

While a traditional mammogram creates two-dimensional images of the breast, a new type of mammogram called a 3D Tomosynthesis or 3D Mammogram, combines multiple 2D breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast. 3D Tomosynthesis is used to look for breast cancer in people who have no signs or symptoms. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool for those who are having breast cancer symptoms. 3D Tomosynthesis enhances the ability of traditional mammograms to detect early breast cancers or other breast pathologies, because it can look at multiple layers of the breast in a 3D image, ultimately filling in the gaps that traditional mammograms suffer from. A 3D Tomosynthesis therefore decreases the number of women called back for false alarms or additional tests for findings that are not cancers. For women who do have a real finding at a screening that requires a follow-up, many may be able to avoid additional mammograms and simply have an ultrasound, since screening 3D Tomosynthesis serves to pinpoint and characterize abnormalities, which means additional testing is reduced.

3D Tomosynthesis Breast Assessment | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic
Breast Ultrasound | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic

Breast Ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves and their echoes to produce computer pictures of the internal structures of the breast, identifying size, distance, and shape of structures inside of the breast. Using a handheld wand-like instrument called a transducer, that is moved around over the skin, a breast ultrasound is used to help diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities found during a physical exam or on a mammogram or breast MRI. Breast ultrasounds are generally not performed to screen for breast cancer, because they may miss some early signs of cancer. Rather, a breast ultrasound is most often performed to find out if a problem found by a mammogram or physical exam of the breast is a cyst filled with fluid or a solid tumour. Breast ultrasounds can also be used to help guide a biopsy into a particular area of the breast so that cells can be removed and tested for cancer. Breast ultrasounds are particularly helpful in women with dense breast tissue, which often makes it difficult to see any abnormal changes on a mammogram. Breast ultrasounds are safe, painless, noninvasive, and do not use radiation. There is no preparation required before a breast ultrasound.

Biopsies/Aspirations

Breast Biopsies/Aspiration | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic

If your mammogram and/or ultrasound shows an abnormality, or if there is a mass or lump felt in the breast, a breast biopsy may be required in order to definitively characterize a finding. A breast biopsy is a small piece of breast tissue that is removed and checked in a lab to determine whether it may be cancerous. Most biopsies prove benign (non-cancerous). The tissue may be removed with a special biopsy needle. Needle aspiration is generally recommended when it is thought that the lump may be a cyst, which is a fluid-filled sac. Aspirations are carried out with a small hollow needle that is placed into the lump or area of concern, with the fluid that is removed sent to the lab for analysis. Local freezing is used to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure, and the procedure is usually done with ultrasound guidance.

Breast Biopsies/Aspiration | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic

We look forward to hearing from you soon! Call Saddletown Radiology at (587) 623-6650 to book your appointment today!

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Our Hours

  • Monday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sundays: Closed
  • Statutory Holidays: Closed

Providing Radiology Services to the NE Calgary communities of Saddle Ridge, Martindale, Taradale, Castleridge, Falconridge, Coral Springs, Westwinds, Cityscape, Stoney & Surrounding Calgary Areas

We Accept All Requisitions From Any Clinic | Saddletown Radiology | NE Calgary | Radiology Clinic