Imaging

Mammography

Early detection of breast cancer greatly increases survival rates. That’s why the American Cancer Society recommends a mammogram every year for women ages 40 and older.

The Breast Center at St. Joseph Medical Center uses digital mammography. It allows radiologists to enhance the picture by adding contrast, zooming in or magnifying an area- much the same way a person can enhance a digital photograph on a computer.

The Breast Center offers expanded mammography hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday. Appointments preferred; Walk-ins Welcome 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

You don’t need a physician referral for a screening mammogram. To schedule an appointment with the Breast Center, call 816-943-4799.

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Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a procedure used for further evaluation of a palpable breast abnormality or a density specific lump seen on mammography. It is an imaging technique using high frequency sound waves to scan the breast. Ultrasound can locate and measure abnormal changes or lesions in the breast and determine if a breast lump is solid or filled with liquid (cyst).

Breast MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast is a noninvasive diagnostic tool used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast.

A breast MRI captures multiple images of the breast using a dedicated computer generating detailed images. The study involves obtaining pictures of the breast before and after contrast administration in an effort to display not only the size and shape of a lesion, but how it enhances, which can differentiate benign and malignant lesions.

The radiologist will review the MRI and send a report to the referring physician. Breast MRI is usually performed when a physician needs more information than a mammogram, ultrasound or clinical breast exam can provide. MRI of the breast is not a replacement of mammography or ultrasound, but rather a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.