Women's Imaging
We are the only unit in South Africa accredited by the American College of Radiologists (ACR) for mammography, stereotactic biopsy, breast ultrasound and breast MRI. The ACR has now accredited PLR as a Breast Imaging Centre of Excellence – the first in Africa.
Women's Imaging
Breast Imaging
Breast imaging encompasses various techniques used to visualize and examine the breast tissue for the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of breast abnormalities and diseases. These techniques include:
- Mammography
- Breast Ultrasound
- Biopsy
Women's Imaging
PROCEDURE
Breast imaging procedures are medical tests used to examine the breast tissue for abnormalities often as part of breast cancer screening, diagnosis or monitoring
These procedures play a vital role in early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of breast abnormalities, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes and survival rates.
WOMEN’S IMAGING
MAMMOGRAMS
MAMMOGRAMS
Many large studies have confirmed that regular screening mammography reduces deaths from breast cancer (up to 40%). Most breast cancer deaths occur in women who are not screened. The reason is that regular mammograms ensure that even very small cancers are found early before they can spread and become lethal. As women in their 40s tend to have denser breasts and usually get more aggressive cancers, a year between mammograms is the optimal interval.
ULTRASOUND
ULTRASOUND
Provides an excellent real-time assessment of the anatomy of the breast. Performed by the radiologist, it is used as an alternative to mammography in patients younger than 35; and as a second check following all mammograms. Although mammography is the gold standard test for breast cancer screening, dense breast tissue can obscure small cancers. Breast ultrasound allows us to see through the dense tissue and rule out any hiding cancers. Both tests have their advantages which is why we perform them on every patient.
We use the best ultrasound machines with ultra-high frequency probes to look for abnormalities. High resolution, harmonics, doppler and elastography are advanced ultrasound tools that facilitate an even higher level of certainty.
BIOPSY
BIOPSY
Breast biopsies are performed to definitively confirm or exclude cancers.
It is a relatively minor procedure, done in our mammography department. Local anesthetic is used to make the breast tissue numb and then a needle is used to extract tiny fragments (samples) from the lump/suspicious area. These samples are sent to a pathology lab for final diagnosis.
Other than a small local anesthetic injection, a biopsy is a painless procedure that takes around 20 minutes. Biopsy results are usually ready within 2-3 days. Biopsies are always done using Ultrasound, Mammogram (Stereotactic) or MRI to guide us so that we accurately sample the suspicious area/lump. Parklane Women’s Imaging department offers all three methods of guidance.
PRE-SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Prioritizing your health, particularly when it comes to breast care. Given the recommendations for regular mammograms for women, it's a good idea to plan your next one.
