Right now it’s being studied mainly in women with breast cancer to see if it can help determine the extent of the cancer.Īs with MBI, it exposes the whole body to radiation, so it’s unlikely to be a test that could be used every year for breast cancer screening.Ĭontrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), also known as contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM), is a newer test in which a contrast dye containing iodine is injected into a vein a few minutes before two sets of mammograms (using different energy levels) are taken. A PEM scan may be better able to detect small clusters of cancer cells within the breast. A form of sugar attached to a radioactive particle is injected into the blood to detect cancer cells. Positron emission mammography (PEM) is a newer imaging test of the breast that is very similar to a PET scan. One potential drawback is that it exposes the whole body to radiation, so it’s unlikely this test would be used for screening every year. It’s also being studied as a test that can be used along with mammograms to look for cancer in women with dense breasts. This test is being studied mainly as a way to follow up breast problems (such as a lump or an abnormal mammogram), or to help determine the extent of breast cancer that has already been diagnosed. A radioactive chemical is injected into the blood, and a special camera is used to see into the breast. Molecular breast imaging (MBI), also known as scintimammography or breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI), is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test for the breast.
Other tests are still being studied, and it will take time to see if they are as good as or better than those used today. Some of these, such as breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography), are already being used in some centers. Newer types of tests are now being developed for breast imaging.
The Breast Imaging Center works collaboratively with the clinic to ensure imaging and diagnostic needs are met.The most commonly used breast imaging tests at this time are mammograms, ultrasound, and breast MRI. The Comprehensive Cancer Center is a multi-disciplinary clinic available for patients where a treatment team comprised of physicians and other health care providers meet and form an individualized plan of care. The Navigator helps coordinate care with all members of the breast health team at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer are connected with a Breast Health Nurse Navigator.
Our "triple crown" of quality accreditations include Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (ACR), Certified Quality Breast Center (NQMBC) and accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Our high standards of patient care are supported by our many nationally recognized accreditations. You can take confidence in knowing your procedure will be interpreted by dedicated Board Certified Radiologists specializing in Breast Imaging. We are also a member of Trinity Health’s Mercy Cancer Network, one of Michigan’s largest cancer care networks. It is well proven that mammography saves lives. At Saint Joseph Mercy Breast Imaging, our mission is to provide the community with advanced imaging technologies designed for the early detection of breast cancer, and to encourage good personal breast health for all women through education and compassionate care.Īs a leader in breast cancer detection, Saint Joseph Mercy Breast Imaging has been offering cutting-edge services and technology for over 30 years.