The mammography section is manned by well-trained dedicated mammography technologists who underwent further training for this modality. Full time radiologists supervise each procedure making sure that quality images are obtained, and later on, interpreted to arrive at a diagnosis.

Equipment: Siemens MAMMOMAT 1000 Nova

Services:

The Mammography Section provides routine screening mammograms for asymptomatic women.

We also provide diagnostic and interventional services for sophisticated assessment of breast disease, including:

• Breast ultrasound (see Ultrasound)
• Pre-operative localization of non-palpable lesions
• Imaging of excised specimens
• Cyst aspiration
• Galactography 
• Mammography-guided and ultrasound-guided percutaneous large core biopsy

Mammography-guided Percutaneous Core Needle Breast Biopsy – This biopsy is employed in situations when the physician can see an abnormality on a mammogram but cannot feel it with a breast exam. With the procedure, the mammogram guides the radiologist in precisely locating the area to be biopsied with a core needle.

Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Core Needle Breast Biopsy – This technique is utilized when a mass is either felt or unable to be felt, and can be visualized on ultrasound. The ultrasound assists the radiologist in precisely confirming the location for biopsy with the core needle.

The above-described two procedures are performed in the outpatient setting using local anesthesia and do not require the traditional incision with stitches. However, not all women are candidates for these procedures and your physician may recommend an open surgical biopsy.

Patient Preparation:

1. Screening Mammography and Galactography:

There is no necessary preparation needed for this particular examination. However, on the day of the examination, do not wear talcum powder, deodorant, lotion or perfume under your arms or breast because these may interfere with the quality of the images.

2. Mammography-guided and ultrasound-guided percutaneous large core biopsy, and cyst aspiration:

A blood test which includes the necessary coagulation studies may be requested before the procedure. This is to ensure that bleeding parameters are within normal ranges and patient will not have uncontrolled bleeding during the procedure. This is especially important for patients who have history of bleeding disorders, renal or liver failure, and patients who are taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, heparin, etc. The aforementioned blood-thinning medications must be temporarily withheld before the procedure.

An abnormal clotting is only a relative contraindication since it can usually be corrected by administering blood products and/or Vitamin K supplementation.

An ice pack or cold compress may be applied on the area to be biopsied a few minutes before the procedure to prevent or lessen the possibility of hematoma/blood clot formation.

Satisfactory analgesia is necessary throughout the procedure to provide optimal patient comfort and cooperation. Local anesthesia is usually sufficient for these procedures. However, in very rare cases, sedation may be necessary for very anxious patients.

3. Pre-operative localization of non-palpable lesions

The breast surgeon will be the one to brief the patient what to prepare before the procedure. Breast localization is generally performed immediately before the patient is brought to the operating room. Pre-operative localization helps direct the surgeon where to find the lesion during surgery.

Scheduling:

You may call the following numbers for scheduling:

Direct line: (63) (2) 926-8934
Trunk line: (63) (2) 924-3601 to09 local 1115

Walk-in patient are accepted in a first-come, first-served basis.

Steps upon arriving at the hospital:

1. Registration and Printing of Charge Slip. Present your doctor’s request at Window 1, Department of Radiological Sciences Reception Area, Annex 1 Bldg.
2. Payment of Charges. Present charge slip and payment to Cashier – located near the CT Scan Section at Annex 1 Bldg. and at the NKTI Main Bldg.
3. Printing of Official Request Form. Present official receipt from cashier at Window 2, Department of Radiological Sciences Reception Area.
4. Examination. Present your official request form at the Mammography Room near Ultrasound Section and wait for your name to be called for the examination. Seats are provided near the examination room.
5. Keep your receipt for claiming your official result.

Test Area: Mammography Room near Ultrasound Section, Annex 1 Bldg.

Cut-off time: 3 pm

Post-Procedure:

1. Screening Mammography and Galactography:

There are no required post-procedure instructions. When the examination is completed, the images are checked by the radiologist and the patient is sent home.

2. Mammography-guided and ultrasound-guided percutaneous large core biopsy, and cyst aspiration:

Because the procedure requires only a local anesthetia and no sutures, the patient can return home or to work shortly after the biopsy/aspiration. Healing from this procedure is typically uneventful, thus a post-procedure visit to check the site is not required.

3. Pre-operative localization of non-palpable lesions

After localization, the patient is generally immediately wheeled in to the operating room.

Releasing of Results:

Results and films will be released at the Result and Borrowing Section of the Department of Radiological Sciences on the date and time specified by the radiologist. Releasing Section is open Mondays to Fridays at 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays at 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN.

Points of Emphasis:

• Schedule your mammogram one week after your period. This will help minimize discomfort during the procedure. The breasts may be tender during or just before your expected menstruation.
• You will be asked to accomplished a pre-procedure questionnaire. This will help the technologist and the radiologist decide whether a lesion-directed or a special maneuver is needed during the examination.
• Bring previous mammograms for comparison, if there is any. This will help the radiologist assess your mammograms more adequately and arrive at a more specific diagnosis.
• Remove any jewelry or metallic objects from your body before the procedure for these may obscure the mammographic images.