The breast imaging service for Berkshire Diagnostic Imaging is provided at Dunedin Hospital. We have a dedicated female team of consultant radiologists and radiographers. We offer a complete service with specialists experienced in reporting mammograms, breast ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

 
Mammograms

We provide an annual mammographic screening service for women over the age of 40 years. For women experiencing breast problems we work in close conjunction with the specialist breast clinicians/surgeons at Dunedin Hospital.
When having a mammogram you will need to remove your top clothes and a female mammographer will then position you carefully and apply gentle compression to each breast in turn while the image is obtained using low dose x-rays.

More information on Mammography can be found here



Ultrasound
 
Breast ultrasound examination in women over the age of 35 years is often used in conjunction with mammograms and in younger women ultrasound examination alone is recommended.
For this examination you will need to remove your top clothes and lie on a couch. Jelly is applied to the skin and the ultrasound probe placed on the skin while the consultant radiologist examines the breast tissue using high frequency sound waves.

More Information on Ultrasound Scanning can be found here

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is a highly specialised imaging examination that can be used for breast evaluation. It does not use x-rays but instead a strong magnetic field and radio frequency waves.
We provide an annual screening service for women known to be at increased risk of developing breast cancer because of a family history.
MRI is also used in the assessment of women with breast implants and may be used in addition to mammograms and ultrasound when necessary.

A small number of people may not be suitable for MRI examination and you will be given a questionnaire to complete before the examination. Common reasons for this include early pregnancy, heart pacemaker, metal heart valves and cochlear implants.

The examination is simple and takes approximately 30 minutes. A female radiographer will take you into the scan room and you will be given a gown to wear and asked to remove your top clothes. For most breast examinations it is necessary to place a small needle in your arm before the examination starts. This allows us to give an injection during the examination to provide information on the blood flow in the breasts and identify any abnormality.

You will need to lie on your stomach with your breasts resting but not compressed in specially designed supports. We will try to make you as comfortable as possible as is it very important you do not move while the scan is taking place. The scanner is fairly noisy and you will be given headphones to wear so you can listen to music during the scan. A friend or relative may stay with you during the scan.

More Information on MRI Scanning can be found here