Mammography is radiography or x-ray of the breast. Click here to read more.

Three-dimensional (3D) mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, is a type of digital mammography in which x-ray machines are used to take pictures of thin slices of the breast from different angles and computer software is used to reconstruct an image. This process is similar to how a computed tomography (CT) scanner produces images of structures inside of the body. Click here to read more

For most patients a mammogram is sufficient to examine the breast tissue, however an ultrasound examination may be needed to examine particularly dense breast tissue or give more information of an area identified on a mammogram. Click here to read more

Also known as ultrasound biopsy or ultrasound-guided injection, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is an accurate way to take samples of tissue from within the breast that are visible on ultrasound but may not be able to be felt by you or your doctor. The procedure prevents the need to surgically remove tissue and eliminates the radiation exposure that comes from using x-rays to locate the area of concern. Click here to read more

A radiologist places a very fine wire marker into the breast to localise (or mark) a specific area of the breast that was identified as needing further investigation on your mammogram. Click here to read more

Partial mastectomy (sometimes called lumpectomy) is a breast-conserving operation in which the surgeon removes the tumour together with some of the healthy breast tissue surrounding it. Women who have this surgery usually: Have a single breast cancer less than 3cm in diameter Have enough breast tissue so that removing surrounding tissue would not leave a misshapen breast, and are medically able to undergo surgery and follow-up radiation therapy. Click here to read more

A mastectomy is an operation that removes the entire breast, and is the treatment of choice for larger tumours or multiple tumours. It is also needed for women in whom it is not safe to have a partial mastectomy, because there is extensive cancer. Click here to read more

Breast cancer surgery is always accompanied by an examination of one or more of the lymph nodes in the armpit, sometimes referred to as the axilla. If cancer spreads from the breast, it travels to these “sentinel” lymph nodes first, and we can remove these affected nodes. Knowing if the cancer has spread also helps us to stage it (find out how much cancer there is in the body and where it is located), advise on further treatment and determine your prognosis. Click here to read more

With a rise in the need for breast cancer surgery, the frequency of breast reconstructive surgery has also increased. The aim of the procedure is to recreate the natural contour of a woman’s breast, by using artificial implants or their own body tissue to make a breast mound and nipple. Your surgeon will discuss which method is best for you, and this usually depends on your general health, the size and shape of your breast and the availability of your own tissues for use in reconstruction. Often, more than one surgical procedure is required. Click here to read more

Breast reduction is usually performed to improve the physical and/or psychological symptoms associated with enlarged breasts, and is carried out after the breasts are fully developed, usually when a woman has reached the age of 18. The aim of breast reduction surgery is to reduce the size of the breasts and to create a better shape in proportion to the woman's body. Click here to read more

Breast augmentation is a procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. It involves inserting an implant underneath the breast. The best candidates for breast augmentation are physically healthy women looking for improvement in the way they look and are realistic in their expectations. Click here to read more

Mastopexy is an operation that improves the shape and position of the breast on the chest wall. Click here to read more

MRI combines the use of a very strong magnet, radio waves and a computer system to provide detailed images of internal structures and soft tissue structures. The level of detail seen with an MRI is extraordinary compared with any other imaging modality. Click here to read more