Ko'olau Radiology - Breast Imaging: Special Procedures

Breast Imaging

Special Procedures

X-ray / Digital Fluoroscopy

Ultrasound

Breast Imaging


	Mammograms

	Ultrasound

	Special Procedures

CT Scans

Coronary Calcium Scoring

Wire Localization
If a small abnormal area is found during a mammogram, a wire may be inserted as a guide for the surgeon who will at a later time perform a biopsy of that area. Wire localization procedures may be guided by either the mammography machine or diagnostic ultrasound equipment. In addition to the wire a small quantity of methylene blue dye will be injected as a visual marker for the surgeon.

Aspiration
Aspiration or drainage of cysts or breast abscesses are usually performed by the radiologist using ultrasound guidance.

Core Biopsy
A special core needle device is used to obtain small samples of tissue from a particular area within the breast for histologic diagnosis. Koolau Radiology radiologists perform this procedure under ultrasound guidance. Stereotactic x-ray guidance, if necessary will be referred to facilities with this specialized equipment.

Ductogram
Ductography is a study of one of the breast ducts of which there are typically 12 to 15, by the insertion of a very small catheter and injection of radiopaque dye. This procedure is commonly performed when nipple discharge is encountered, particularly if blood is present in the discharge. Following the instillation of the contrast material, mammographic pictures of the breast ducts will be obtained in multiple projections. In some cases the X-ray contrast dye is mixed with a visible blue dye as a preoperative localization device used to guide your physician to a site for surgical removal of tissue.