A mammogram is a special type of x-ray used only for the breast. Mammography can be used either to look for very early breast cancer in women without breast symptoms (screening) or to examine women who do have breast symptoms (diagnostic). 3D Tomosynthesis mammography further enhances the ability to detect cancer by generating a "3D" view of the breast which enables the Radiologist to detect cancers which may be otherwise obscured. What to expect? You will need to undress from the waist up. One of your breasts will be positioned between two plastic plates which will flatten the breast slightly. Most women find that this is a bit uncomfortable, but not painful. Generally two x-rays are taken of each breast. It is also useful to compare the results with earlier examinations and you should take any previous mammography results with you.

In ultrasound, a beam of sound at a very high frequency (that cannot be heard) is sent into the body from a small vibrating crystal in a hand-held scanner head. When the beam meets a surface between tissues of different density, echoes of the sound beam are sent back into the scanner head. The time between sending the sound and receiving the echo back is fed into a computer, which in turn creates an image that is projected on a television screen. Ultrasound is a very safe type of imaging; this is why it is so widely used during pregnancy. What to expect? After lying down, the area to be examined will be exposed. Generally a contact gel will be used between the scanner head and skin. The scanner head is then pressed against your skin and moved around and over the area to be examined. At the same time the internal images will appear onto a screen.

Read about contrast-enhanced mammography here

Open Excisional: a small incision (cut) is made as close as possible to the lump and the lump, together with a surrounding margin of tissue, is removed for examination. If the lump is large, only a portion of it may be removed. Core Needle Biopsy: this involves inserting a needle through your skin into the breast lump and removing a sample of tissue for examination.

Book an ultrasound examination and consultation for Breast Pain performed by Dr Monica Saini. Results and recommendations for breast pain reduction will be discussed with you at the time of the exam.

Dr Saini will take your history and do a physical exam and calculate your risk factors for breast cancer. Your risk score and breast density will be reviewed with you and a personalised screening regimen and recommendations will be discussed with you at the time of the exam. A copy of the report will be sent to your GP.