Banner Imaging explains the different types of breast imaging

PHOENIX (Sept. 23, 2024) - With Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Banner Imaging wants people to understand the different types of breast imaging, what it means, who needs them, and why.

Dr. Saumil Kadakia, a radiologist with Banner Imaging, says that all breast cancer screenings begin with your standard mammogram, which is an x-ray of the breasts.

He notes that if a screening mammogram finds something, the patient will be called back for a diagnostic mammogram to look at that area more closely.

“If you’re called back for a diagnostic mammogram, the technologist will perform the images the radiologist has requested, the radiologist reviews all the images right away and you’ll leave with a letter about the results,” says Amanda Salazar, a multi-modality technologist with Banner Imaging.

Dr. Kadakia points out that patients with dense breast tissue, an increased risk or strong family history of breast cancer may also be screened with a breast ultrasound or an MRI.

The breast ultrasound gives providers more insight into a breast lump, for instance, where an ultrasound shows whether the lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst.

A breast MRI, Dr. Kadakia says, can provide more detailed pictures of the breast. He explains that sometimes this method is used to look more closely for any other areas of cancer in the affected breast or breasts.

“Being asked to come back for a diagnostic mammogram or another breast imaging test doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong,” Salazar said. “There could be many reasons, from technical adjustments to clarifying unclear images. Take a deep breath and ease your mind, most callbacks are simply about being thorough.”

To schedule your screening mammogram, call Banner Imaging at 480-610-7400.

Banner Imaging has more than 30 imaging centers that offer a full range of outpatient services, including 10 breast centers, seven of which are designated comprehensive breast imaging centers in Arizona and northern Colorado.

Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 acute-care hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.