Mammography and Breast Imaging

Advanced Mammography and Breast Imaging Services in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

UMass Memorial Health is a trusted provider of breast cancer screening (mammography) and other breast imaging services. Our expert team uses sophisticated technology to deliver accurate results. We guide you through testing with compassion and care to make the process as stress-free as possible. A precise diagnosis helps us plan the most effective treatments for you.

Conditions We Assess With Breast Imaging

Breast imaging helps us detect breast cancer and evaluate breast lumps. There are many types of breast lumps, including cysts and fibroadenomas. Most lumps are noncancerous (benign) and do not require treatment.

Nationally Recognized for Mammography and Breast Imaging

At UMass Memorial, our mammography and breast imaging facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing safe, high-quality imaging services. Several of our locations have earned accreditation in multiple breast imaging tests and are designated as Comprehensive Breast Imaging Centers.

Who Needs Breast Cancer Screening?

Breast cancer screening is a test that you do regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms. The American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammograms starting at age 40 for people with an average risk of breast cancer. People at higher risk due to their personal or family history should start screening earlier.

To find out if you are due for a screening mammogram, talk to your primary care provider or OB-GYN. They can assess your risk and provide guidance based on the latest screening recommendations. Comprehensive risk assessments and follow-up care are also available through our high-risk breast cancer clinic.

Our Mammography and Breast Imaging Services

We offer several types of breast imaging tests:

• Mammography uses X-rays to evaluate breast tissue.
• Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of your breast.
• Breast MRI uses radio waves and magnetic fields to create pictures of your breast. We offer breast MRIs through our partnership with Shields Health.

How and when we use each test depends on many factors, including your personal and family medical history. Our radiologists and technologists have extensive training and follow the latest research-based guidelines for screening and diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Screening

Mammography is the standard screening test for breast cancer. It detects masses, calcium deposits and other abnormalities present in early breast cancers, often before you experience symptoms.

Screening mammograms use low-dose X-rays to reduce the amount of radiation you receive. At UMass Memorial, we offer 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which combines X-rays taken from multiple angles. Compared with 2D mammography, this innovative technology produces more detailed pictures.

In addition to a mammogram, we may recommend other imaging tests as part of your screening, such as:

• Breast MRI: You may have a breast MRI if you have a high risk of breast cancer. An MRI is highly sensitive and can detect small changes that a mammogram may miss.
• Breast ultrasound: Your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound if you have an area of concern, like pain or an abnormal finding on a mammogram. We typically do a focused ultrasound using a handheld probe. For people with dense breasts, we may use automated whole-breast ultrasound (ABUS). Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue, which can hide cancer on a mammogram. ABUS is similar to a traditional ultrasound but has a wider field of view.

Diagnostic Breast Imaging

Diagnostic tests are used to assess suspicious screening results, breast lumps and other breast symptoms. We prioritize these tests to quickly find out if an area may be cancerous. You typically receive the results and have a plan for your next steps before you leave.

Diagnostic breast imaging tests we may use include:

• Diagnostic mammogram provides a higher level of detail than a screening mammogram.
• Breast ultrasound determines whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or solid mass, which helps inform your treatment plan.
• Breast MRI detects areas of high blood flow, which can be a sign of a cancerous growth.

Image-Guided Breast Procedures

Our radiologists perform several types of procedures using image guidance. The results help us plan the most effective treatment for you:

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

A biopsy collects a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. It can confirm the presence of cancer. During a stereotactic breast biopsy, the radiologist places a thin needle into the suspicious area using MRI, ultrasound or mammogram guidance.

Depending on the type of imaging used during the biopsy, you may sit in a chair or lie on your back or side during the procedure. You may also lie face down on a table with your breast positioned through a hole while the radiologist works from underneath.

Breast Tumor Localization

Localization marks an area of concern so the surgeon can find it during the procedure, helping make the procedure as precise as possible. The radiologist uses image guidance to place a small metal bead or piece of wire on the affected area.

Sentinel Lymph Node Injections

This procedure helps surgeons remove key lymph nodes to find out if cancer has spread to them. 

1. Before surgery, the radiologist or surgeon injects a small amount of radioactive tracer near the tumor.
2. The tracer follows the path of lymph drainage and collects in the nearest lymph node.
3. The surgeon uses a special detector in the operating room to find the lymph node and remove it for laboratory analysis.