Breast Imaging
Astra Radiology, Auckland, has established a world-leading centre for breast screening and diagnosis, supported by specialist radiologists & highly-skilled technicians.
Astra Radiology, Auckland, has established a world-leading centre for breast screening and diagnosis, supported by specialist radiologists & highly-skilled technicians.
A mammogram is a special soft-tissue x-ray used to visualise breast tissue for early signs of breast cancer (screening mammography) and also to evaluate the breasts when there is a symptom (diagnostic mammography).
Regular screening is recognised as the best way to monitor any changes within the breasts, and early detection gives women a better chance of a cure for breast cancer
Screening mammography: Screening mammography is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. The goal is to detect cancer before clinical signs are noticeable. A screening mammogram consists images taken of each breast from two different angles.
Diagnostic mammography: Diagnostic mammography is used to investigate suspicious breast changes, such as a breast lump, breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening or nipple discharge. It is also used to evaluate abnormal findings on a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram can include additional mammogram images, such as magnification and compression views.
A mammogram helps to identify the following conditions:
Mammograms should be performed every 1-2 years depending on your age, clinical indications and family history:
The nationally funded breast screening programme, BreastScreen Aotearoa, is available for women aged between 45 and 69 years. This programme funds mammograms every two years for asymptomatic women.
At Astra Radiology, we offer tomosynthesis (3D) mammography. 3D mammography is the next generation in breast imaging technology and is superior in detecting breast cancer than traditional mammography.
3D mammography has shown an increase in cancer detection rate and a decrease in recall rate. This means more cancers are identified and there is less chance of being called back for additional views.
Please note the time for the study and the radiation dose is the same as with traditional digital (2D) mammography. Despite using x-rays, the radiation dose of a mammogram is very low. For most women, the benefits of regular mammograms outweigh the risks posed by this amount of radiation.
For current pricing, please ask the booking specialist when you make your appointment.
You’ll be asked to remove neck jewellery and clothing from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear.
A specially trained radiographer will take two views of each breast. For each view, the breast is compressed for a few seconds between the x-ray plate and a clear plastic paddle. Compression is essential for better visualization of the breast tissue, and also holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement and minimises the dose of radiation needed. You’ll be asked to stand still and hold your breath while the exposure is made and the compression is released immediately afterwards. Most women find this mildly uncomfortable but not painful. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
In tomosynthesis mammography, the machine looks very similar to a digital (2D) mammography unit, and the positioning and use of compression is the same. The difference is that a tomosynthesis unit takes several images of each breast in one exposure.
These can be used in conjunction with a mammogram and clinical examination:
To book a breast ultrasound, please call (09) 520 9550 and select ‘Breast Imaging’ from the menu.
For all breast MRI scans, we need to see your referral before booking you an appointment. Please email a copy of your referral to: mamm@astraradiology.co.nz
Once the technologists have protocolled your referral and/or your ACC details have been checked, we will be in touch to discuss appointment times with you.
Breast ultrasound and breast MRIs are both done at our Ascot Central branch.
At Astra Radiology, Auckland, we use the latest MRI technology to produce high quality breast scans, and Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) to provide more accurate results.
When making an appointment for a breast MRI, you will be asked to arrive in the department 30mins prior to the scan. This is to insure you understand the procedure and the importance of being comfortable so there is no movement during the examination.
An IV lure will also be inserted in to your arm for the administration of contrast.
You will be positioned prone on the MRI scanner in a specially designed coil to optimize the imaging of your breasts.
The examination time can range from 40 minutes for a routine breast MRI and up to 1.5 hours for a breast biopsy.
The images are viewed and reported by two separate radiologists to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Results may be available within 1 – 2 days.
For all breast MRI scans, we need to see your referral before booking you an appointment.
Please email a copy of your referral to: mamm@astraradiology.co.nz
Once the technologists have protocolled your referral, we will be in touch to discuss appointment times with you.
Once a breast problem has been detected, be it a lump, a mass seen only on imaging, or some unusual calcifications, then a biopsy (obtaining some tissue) is required. There are three options here and the choice of modality will depend on how best the lesion is seen:
Mammography Guidance: Using the Digital Mammography system, breast lesions can biopsied using Stereotactic Guidance. This system uses computer guidance to guide the needle to the desired spot.
Ultrasound Guidance: Ultrasound can also be used to guide a needle to the desired location to take a biopsy, and the progress of the needle can be viewed in real time.
MRI Guidance: Astra Radiology utilises the first system for MR guided biopsies installed in New Zealand. This uses the DynaCAD workstation to accurately guide the needle to the desired spot. There are masses and other abnormalities seen only on MRI (versus mammography and ultrasound), and the ability to biopsy these gives us the complete package.
To make an appointment for a mammogram, please call our booking specialist on (09) 520 9550 and select ‘Mammography’ from the menu or email them at mamm@astraradiology.co.nz
Astra Radiology
For all appointments, or to enquire about an existing appointment, please phone