Why a radiological unit for mammary pathologies?

Current technological development and work in multidisciplinary teams, following the most current and consensual clinical guidelines, are fundamental in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. The UDIM enables streamlined, effective coordination of the various techniques available today under the same clinical criteria to reach a fast, efficient, reliable and safe diagnosis.

Resources and tests

The UDIM integrates the most advanced technology, the most qualified professionals and the most up-to-date and agreed protocols in the service of accurate diagnoses of mammary pathology, which systematically allows the different specialists (gynaecologists, anatomopathologists, surgeons, oncologists, radiotherapists, psychologists, etc.) to address the final diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in a multidisciplinary way.

Various tests can be carried out for diagnosis by imaging of mammary pathologies, depending on the diagnostic suspicion, personal factors and results from previous tests.

The tests are indicated following agreed clinical protocols.

Mammography

Mammography is the X-ray breast scan. It is simple and is the first test of the diagnostic process.

The UDIM of the Clínica Corachan has one of the most advanced direct digital radiology devices with stereotaxy (General Electric Senographe DS), which achieves:

• The best image resolution
• The greatest reduction of radiation dose to patients
• Optimization of the sensitivity and specificity of mammograms
• Maximum comfort for patients

Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the breast is the exploration of the breast by ultrasound. It is a painless, very simple test and radiation-free, and the second one that may be indicated in the diagnostic process as a supplement to mammography.

The UDIM has a high definition ultrasound equipment with elastography. The equipment is in the same diagnostic area as the mammograph, which provides diagnostic agility and comfort for the patient.

Fine needle aspiration puncture (FNAP) and core needle biopsy (CNB)

In the presence of suspicious images, it may be indicated to extract a small sample of the lesion to be analysed at the pathological anatomy service and determine the cellular characteristics.

The punctures are guided by ultrasound in most cases, although, if it is not possible to utilize this technique, we can use the stereotactic system of the mammograph.

Magnetic resonance

In specific cases, the prescription of an MRI may be indicated. This technique obtains the images by stimulating the organism via the action of an electromagnetic field produced by a powerful magnet and emission of radio waves.

The DDI has a high field equipment of 1.5 T with specific coils dedicated to the study of the breast.

Other tests

The diagnostic study is completed, if necessary, with nuclear medicine tests, computerized tomography, analytical and cellular pathological-anatomical analysis, which are all available and coordinated at the Corachan Clinic.

PACS

The DDI has a central digital image file system (PACS) where all the images and radiological reports of all specialities are stored, thus providing a complete and integrated view of the radiological history of the patients.