Additional Testing

Why do I need additional imaging?

It’s important to know that the majority of women who need additional testing do not have breast cancer. Our goal is to be thorough and evaluate any possible changes on a mammogram. Some common reasons for additional testing include:

• Anatomical factors: Sometimes a patient's physical build can make it difficult to get a clear picture of all the breast tissue. Additional images will help our team see these areas. 
• Calcifications: Calcium deposits in the breast are common and mostly because of benign conditions, but sometimes calcifications can be an indication of cancer. Magnified views can help determine the type of calcification.
• Masses: To determine if a mass on a mammogram is suspicious, the radiologist needs to see the borders of the mass. Additional images may be necessary to see the entire mass.
• Motion: Small movements by the patient can cause a blurry image. The image must be repeated to make sure details can be seen.
• Overlapping tissue: A mammogram is a two-dimensional picture of a three-dimensional object. Breast tissue can overlap making it look like a mass is present. An additional image can help determine if that’s the case.

Additional procedures may be recommended as a follow-up to this examination:

• Breast biopsy: The breast imaging specialists at the Women’s Imaging Center are experts at performing breast biopsies using mammography, ultrasound, or MRI. These biopsies are performed using local anesthesia, and patients can drive themselves to and from the hospital. The use of image-guided biopsy allows precise targeting and sampling of abnormal tissue to achieve a definitive diagnosis. Pathology results are usually available 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Many women avoid surgery because of image-guided biopsies.
• Breast MRI: May be used in addition to mammography and ultrasound in select cases. MRI is not an alternative to mammography. Radiologists determine when additional testing is necessary and will recommend breast MRI when appropriate. An MRI can be very helpful in evaluating patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer to assess the extent of the disease and plan the most appropriate treatment plan. Breast MRI is also used as a screening examination for women with very high risk of developing breast cancer because of hereditary or other factors.
• Breast ultrasound: If an area of concern is seen on a mammogram, or if a lump is felt on physical examination, then further study is needed. Breast ultrasound can be helpful in characterizing lumps that are felt as well as determining if a mass seen on a mammogram is solid or cystic (fluid-filled). This information is important and helps determine if a biopsy is necessary.

Women’s Imaging Center, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
Phone: 617-243-5345