Below you will find a list of our patients’ most frequently asked questions. These cover a broad range of topics and we have provided them in order to supply you with as much information as possible.
Should you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
What makes us unique?
At Women’s & Breast Imaging you can get a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy all done in the one visit and the results will be on your doctor’s desk in less than one week. We offer a broad complete service with more than 30 years’ experience.
Why must I have a mammogram and not just an ultrasound?
Mammograms are the best method to find breast changes that cannot be felt and differences in each breast. The radiologist will look and compare your mammograms with your most recent one to check for change. The radiologist will also look for lumps and calcifications that are not seen on ultrasound.
Will you tell me if you find anything I should worry about?
Routinely all results will be send to your referring doctor to be discussed with you. If any further examinations are needed, in some cases, it will be discussed with the patient directly.
Why don’t I get a rebate on a screening mammogram?
The Australian Government provides a free screening service and as such the cost does not qualify for the rebate. However it should be noted that this governmental free service only covers the screening mammogram and if something is found it could take weeks to receive further diagnostic treatment. Women’s & Breast Imaging will follow up with an ultrasound and/or biopsy immediately.
How often should I have a mammogram?
The latest research recommends women to have baseline mammogram at the age of 40 years, annually or every 2 years depending on one’s personal and family risk factor.
Will I get the results today?
Our Radiologists thoroughly examine the images before concluding their report. Diagnostic imaging is very complex to interpret and sufficient time must be taken to guarantee an excellent degree of accuracy. Results will be sent to your doctor within a couple of days.
Previous imaging somewhere else, should I bring it with me?
If you had any imaging done somewhere else, please bring all films, CD’s and reports with you on the day of your appointment. Any previous imaging done in our clinic will be saved electronically and will be available for comparison.
What is the cost of the procedures?
Women’s & Breast Imaging’s fees are structured to allow us to maintain the specialist equipment and training needed to provide you with the highest quality of service. For more information contact WBI.
After my biopsy how long will it take to get the results?
All of our biopsy samples are being send to our specialist Pathologist who does a report and sends it back to us. Depending on waiting times at the pathology centre, we are usually expecting results back within 5 working days. We then do a complete report and send it to your referring doctor.
How is mammogram done and is it painful?
You stand in front of a special x-ray machine. The radiologic technician places your breast, one at a time, between an x-ray plate and a plastic plate. These plates are attached to the x-ray machine and compress the breasts to flatten them. This spreads the breast tissue out to obtain a clearer picture. You will feel pressure on your breast for a few seconds. It may cause you some discomfort; you might feel squeezed or pinched. This feeling only lasts for a few seconds, and the flatter your breast, the better the picture. Most often, two pictures are taken of each breast – one from the side and one from above.
What if I have breast implants?
Women with breast implants should also have mammograms. If you have breast implants, be sure to tell us when you make your appointment. Implants can hide some breast tissue, making it harder for the radiologist to see a problem when looking at your mammogram. To see as much breast tissue as possible, the technician will gently lift the breast tissue slightly away from the implant and take extra pictures of the breasts. An ultrasound is also recommended.
What is?
Vacuum Core Biopsy or Removal of Fibroadenoma
Tomosynthesis Guided Biopsy Procedure
