Breast Cancer : Tests

The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and risk factors, and then perform a physical exam, which includes both breasts, armpits, and the neck and chest area. Additional tests may include: Mammography to help identify the breast lump; Breast M...

More than 90% of all breast cancers are detected by mammogram (a low-dose x ray of the breast). Mammograms should be done to evaluate a suspicious lump. Screening mammograms should be ordered according to the doctor's guidelines. Despite the contr...

The diagnosis of breast cancer is accomplished by the biopsy of any suspicious lump or mammographic abnormality that has been identified. (A biopsy is the removal of tissue for examination by a pathologist. A mammogram is a low-dose, 2-view, x-ray...

Once a suspicious breast abnormality has been found, the next step is determining if it is breast cancer. A mammogram can identify an area of increased breast density, which is a common sign of a malignant tumor. Women in their 20s to 30s naturall...

Once a suspicious breast abnormality has been found, the next step is determining if it is breast cancer. A mammogram can identify an area of increased breast density, which is a common sign of a malignant tumor. Women in their 20s to 30s naturall...

The diagnosis of breast cancer is accomplished by the biopsy of any suspicious lump or mammographic abnormality that has been identified. (A biopsy is the removal of tissue for examination by a pathologist. A mammogram is a low-dose, 2-view, x-ray...

More than 90% of all breast cancers are detected by mammography. The American Cancer Society guidelines recommend screening mammograms every one to two years for women between 40 and 49, and every year after age 50. Women with a family history of ...

Detailed information on mammography, including how a mammogram is performed, what conditions a mammogram shows, mammography guidelines, and the risk factors for breast cancer

You say you feel great, but what do you really know about your health? To find out, get the screening tests you need.

Detailed information on mammography, including the different types of mammography, how one is performed, and recommended guidelines

Frequently asked questions about mammograms, including: "What are the benefits of screening mammography?", "Is there a risk of radiation exposure from having regular mammograms?", and "Are mammograms painful?"

Detailed information on mammography, including the different types of mammography, how one is performed, and recommended guidelines

Frequently asked questions about mammograms, including:

Mammography: FDA Sets Higher StandardsJanie Pfefferkorn knows all too well the value of having a mammogram. She believes the procedure saved her life."

This low-dose X-ray produces an image of the inner structures of the breast. It can detect tiny calcium deposits or micro-calcifications that are too small to feel.

Getting the Most From Your MammogramThere are lots of reasons for putting off a mammogram: You're nervous. You're shy.

Good News In Breast-Cancer Detection, CareIf you think you've been hearing a lot more positive news about breast cancer care and prevention, you're right. And if you support prevention and research efforts, you're part of the reason."

FDA Sets Higher Standards for MammographyJanie Pfefferkorn knows all too well the value of having a mammogram. She believes the procedure saved her life."

Schedule the test for one week after your period, when your breasts are less tender. Make sure your clinic gets your last mammogram if it was done somewhere else. This lets the doctor compare the two.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It can find changes in the breast when a lump is too small for you or your doctor to feel.

Remind your technologist that you have breast implants. Also mention if you are or think you might be pregnant, have had a breast biopsy or surgery, are breastfeeding or have moles on or near your breasts.

For women at high genetic risk, adding MRI screening to mammography may improve early detection of breast cancer.

This report provides information on using the latest detection methods, understanding your diagnosis, and choosing the most effective treatment.

Digital mammography is poised to replace the standard version, but studies show them to be about equal in effectiveness at detecting cancers, depending on age and breast density. Ultrasound and MRI are also useful tools for detection in some women.

Mammography is the study of the breast using x rays. The actual test is called a mammogram. It is an x ray of the breast which shows the fatty, fibrous, and glandular tissues. There are two types of mammograms. A screening mammogram is ordered for women who have no problems with their breasts. It consists of two x ray views of each breast: a craniocaudal (from above) and a mediolateral oblique (from the sides). A diagnostic mammogram is for evaluation of abnormalities in either men or women. Additional x rays from other angles, or special coned views of certain areas, are taken.

Mammography is the study of the breast using xrays. The actual test is called a mammogram. It is an xray of the breast which shows the fatty, fibrous and glandular tissues. There are two types of mammograms. A screening mammogram is ordered for women who have no problems with their breasts. It consists of two x-ray views of each breast: a craniocaudal (from above) and a mediolateral oblique (from the sides). A diagnostic mammogram is for evaluation of abnormalities in either men or women. Additional x rays from other angles, or special coned views of certain areas are taken.

Mammography is the study of the breast using x ray. The actual test is called a mammogram. There are two types of mammograms. A screening mammogram is ordered for women who have no problems with their breasts. It consists of two x-ray views of each breast. A diagnostic mammogram is for evaluation of new abnormalities or of patients with a past abnormality requiring follow-up (i.e. a woman with breast cancer treated with lumpectomy ). Additional x rays from other angles or special views of certain areas are taken.

Mammography is the study of the breast using x ray . The actual test is called a mammogram. There are two types of mammograms. A screening mammogram is ordered for women who have no problems with their breasts. It consists of two x-ray views of each breast. A diagnostic mammogram is for evaluation of new abnormalities or of patients with a past abnormality requiring follow-up (i.e. a woman with breast cancer treated with lumpectomy ). Additional x rays from other angles or special views of certain areas are taken.

A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast, performed for screening or diagnostic purposes. A screening mammogram is used to detect breast cancer before it is clinically apparent. Two views of the breast tissue are taken: a mediolateral (MLO) view and a craniocaudal (CC) view. A diagnostic mammogram is utilized to evaluate abnormalities seen on a screening mammogram or to further characterize abnormalities on physical examination. Screening mammography has been shown to decrease breast cancer mortality, particularly for women 40 to 50 years of age and older. The first randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the benefit of mammogram and clinical breast-exam screening was the HIP (Health Insurance Plan) study, initiated in 1963. Approximately 62,000 women between 40 and 64 years of age were assigned at random to either a mammography and clinical breast exam group for four years or to a control group. After ten years of follow-up, the study group had a 30 percent lower mortality from breast cancer in comparison to the control group. Further randomized controlled trials confirmed the efficacy of screening mammography in decreasing breast cancer mortality. A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials and four case-control studies was reported in 1995. Women aged 50 to 74 who received mammographic screening had a decreased relative risk for breast cancer mortality of 0.74 (95% CI [confidence interval],0.66–0.83) in comparison to women who did not receive mammographic screening. No reduction in breast cancer mortality with mammographic screening was seen in women aged 40 to 49, after 7 to 9 years of follow-up. With a longer duration of follow-up of 10 to 12 years, there was a 17 percent decrease in breast cancer mortality among women aged 40 to 49 who received screening mammography. A meta-analyses of eight randomized trials of screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 was published in 1997. This meta-analysis demonstrated an 18 percent mortality reduction in women aged 40 to 49 who received screening mammography, after 10.5 to 18 years of follow-up. Based on these results, it is clear that women 50 years old and older benefit from yearly screening mammography in order to decrease their risk of dying from breast cancer; however, there is controversy regarding the utility of screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49. An attempt at resolving this controversy was made at the National Institute of Health Consensus meeting in January 1997, but a consensus could not be reached. Therefore the meeting resulted in two different reports regarding screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49. The majority concluded that screening mammogram was not universally warranted in this age group. A minority report, however, supported the recommendation for screening mammography based on the survival benefit seen at 10 years and longer after screening is initiated. The American Cancer Society supports this recommendation, recommending an annual mammogram for women aged 40 and older. Another area of controversy is the upper age limit at which to stop performing screening mammography. There is no data from randomized trials regarding the benefits of screening mammography in women older than 75 because of the lack of enrollment of elderly women. This area deserves further study, given that age is the single greatest risk factor for breast cancer and approximately half of all breast cancers occur in women over the age of 65. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute put no upper age cut-off for screening mammography. The American Geriatric Society has published a position statement regarding breast cancer screening in older women, recommending no upper age limit for breast cancer screening for women with an estimated life expectancy of greater than four years (2000). Ultimately, the decision regarding screening mammography is up to the patient. Therefore, it is important for a clinician to discuss the benefits

When having a mammogram, women with pacemakers should warn the technician about the device, because of the possibility that the procedure can damage or disconnect it.

Breast ultrasound is the use of ultrasonic sound waves (sounds that cannot be heard by humans) to produce an image of breast tissue.

Breast ultrasound (or sonography) is an imaging technique for diagnosing breast disease, such as cancer. It uses harmless, high-frequency sound waves to form an image (sonogram). The sound waves pass through the breast and bounce back or echo from various tissues to form a picture of the internal structures. It is not invasive and involves no radiation.

Breast ultrasound (or sonography) is an imaging technique for diagnosing breast disease, such as cancer . It uses harmless, high frequency sound waves to form an image (sonogram). The sound waves pass through the breast and bounce back or echo from various tissues to form a picture of the internal structures. It is not invasive and involves no radiation.

During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body; Palpation (feeling the body with hands; Auscultation (listening to sounds; Percussion (producing sounds.

A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.

A breast biopsy is removal of breast tissue for examination by a pathologist. This can be accomplished surgically, or by withdrawing tissue through a needle.

Stereotactic breast biopsy is used to take tiny samples of your breast tissue that can be studied under a microscope. This procedure uses x-rays to find the tissue to be removed.

A surgical breast biopsy requires an incision in the skin. This allows your doctor to take a large sample of tissue from the breast. In fact, the whole lump is often removed.

Surgical Breast Biopsy: Your ExperienceA surgical breast biopsy is done to remove a sample of tissue from the breast. This tissue is then sent to a lab to be studied.

Can a breast that has undergone radiation treatment for cancer be biopsied in the future, if necessary?

Breast cancer is easier to treat the earlier it is found. For that reason, some experts recommend that women over age 20 perform a monthly breast self exam to look for new lumps and other changes. The self exam has limitations, however, and is NOT a substitute for regular breast examinations from your doctor or screening mammograms. Talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of performing self exams. If you do perform monthly exams, do them 3-5 days after your period, when your breasts are the least tender and lumpy. First, lie on your back. Place your right hand behind your head. With the middle fingers of your left hand, gently yet firmly press down using small motions to examine the entire right breast. Then, while sitting or standing, examine your armpit (commonly skipped) because breast tissue extends to that area. Gently squeeze the nipple, checking for discharge. Repeat the process on the left breast. Use one of the patterns shown in the diagram to make sure that you are covering all of the breast tissue. You are feeling for any lump or thickness that stands out or feels new. Although some women find it easiest to do the exam in the shower, when the skin is soft and wet, you are more likely to examine all of the breast tissue if you are lying down. Next, stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your side. Look at your breasts directly AND in the mirror for changes in skin texture (such as dimpling, puckering, indentations, or skin that looks like an orange peel), shape, contour, or the nipple turning inward. Do the same with your arms raised above your head. Discuss any changes you find right away with your doctor. It is helpful to know that all women have some lumps. If you do monthly exams, it is important to do them at the same time in your monthly cycle. Know that the value of monthly exams is controversial. See also: Breast lumps

The breast self-examination is an examination of the breasts, performed by a woman, ideally one time per month. The goal of the breast self-examination is for a woman to notice changes in the breast that should be brought to the attention of a physician for further evaluation. These include breast lumps, changes in the breast shape, size, or contour, or skin changes. Randomized trials have shown no decrease in breast cancer mortality among women performing monthly breast self-examination. Despite this, the American Cancer Society recommends monthly breast self-examination for women over the age of twenty. C LIFFORD H UDIS A RTI H URRIA ( SEE ALSO : Breast Cancer ; Breast Cancer Screening ; Clinical Breast Examination )

Detailed instructions on how to perform a breast self-examination, including a step by step pictorial guide

Breast Self-Exam (BSE)Your breasts change throughout your life. But monthly breast self-exams can help you learn what is normal for you.

Detailed instructions on how to perform a breast self-examination, including a step by step pictorial guide

Detailed instructions on how to perform a breast self-examination, including a step by step pictorial guide

It’s important to remember that every woman should consider herself at risk for breast cancer. A woman’s best tool in fighting this disease is knowledge of her body, her family history and other risk factors.

How to Do a Breast Self-Exam1. Stand before a mirror.

A breast self-examination (BSE) is an inspection by a woman of her breasts to detect breast cancer .

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a diagnostic technique regularly performed by a woman, independent from a physician, both by feeling for anything suspicious in her breasts and by observing any changes through the use of a mirror.

In a strict sense, mutations are changes in genes not caused by genetic recombination. A change in the base sequence of DNA , for example, represents a mutational change. Spontaneous mutations are mutations that occur at a given frequency without the need for an inducing agent of change (mutagenic agent). The term mutation is also used in a less technical sense to describe changes in the human genome (i.e., evolution) that result from a broad spectrum of processes that act to increase or decrease genetic variation within a population. By definition, a gene is a hereditary unit that carries information used to construct proteins via the processes of transcription and translation. The human gene pool is the set of all genes carried within the human population. Genetic changes, including mutations, can be beneficial, neutral or deleterious. In general, mutations, along with recombination and gene flow, act to increase genetic variation (i.e., the number of types of genes or alleles) within the human species. The term mutation was originally used by Dutch botanist Hugo De Vries (1848–1935) to describe rapid changes in phenotype from one generation to the next. Subsequently, scientists used the term mutation to describe long-term, multi-generational, and heritable physical changes to genes. Mutations generally occur via chromosomal mutations, point mutations, frame shifts, and breakdowns in DNA repair mechanisms. Chromosomal mutations include translocations, inversions, deletions and chromosome non-disjunction. Essentially there are five types of genetic rearrangements: deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations, and transposition. Mutational deletions physically remove portions of genes (e.g., a portion of the DNA comprising the gene). Deletional mutations range from the single base point mutations to mutations that can span many functional genes. Chemical and radioactive agents account for the majority of induced point mutations. Scientists currently argue that most cancers and other degenerative diseases result from acquired genetic mutations due to environmental exposure, and not as an outcome of inherited traits. Chemicals capable of inducing genetic mutation (i.e., chemical mutagenesis or genotoxic compounds) are present a wide variety of natural and man-made products. Point mutations may be nonsense mutations leading to the early termination of protein synthesis, missense mutations (a mutation that results an a substitution of one amino acid for another in a protein), or silent mutations that cause no detectable change. Accordingly, the effects of point mutational changes range from 100% lethality (all individuals die, usually early in fetal development) to no observable (phenotypic) change. Duplications result in multiple copies of genes, and can occur as a result of unequal crossover or chromosome breaks. In addition, because some alteration of DNA is inevitable in the replication process, any mutation that hinders DNA repair mechanism will also increase the chance that a mutation will go uncorrected. Duplications also manifest a range of deleterious effects. Inversions, which are changes in the orientation of gene bearing chromosomal regions, may cause deleterious effects if the inversion breaks through a gene critical for a particular protein or enzyme. Translocations occur when one a portion of one chromosome becomes linked to a non-homologous chromosome (a chromosome outside its normal pairing) or when portions of non-homologous chromosomes make a reciprocal exchange. Once again, the effect of such genetic change is a result of whether such translocations physically or functionally alter vital genes. Recombination involves the reassortment of genes through new chromosome combinations. Recombination occurs via an exchange of DNA between homologous chromosomes (crossing over) during meiosis. Recombination also includes linkage disequilibrium. With linkage disequilibrium, variations of the same gene (allele

Breast Cancer—Understanding Genetic TestingCancer is a disease of the genes. Most cancers develop as a result of genetic damage we sustain over a lifetime.

Genetic Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2: It's Your Choice1. What are BRCA1 and BRCA2?

Detailed information on hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome and BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes

Detailed information on the genetics of hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome, including brca 1 and brca 2 gene mutations

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein normally found in the tissue of developing baby in the womb. Blood levels of this protein disappear or become very low after birth. In adults, an abnormal amount of CEA may be a possible sign of cancer. A blood test can be done to measure the amount of CEA in your blood.

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test is a laboratory blood study. CEA is a substance which is normally found only during fetal development, but may reappear in adults who develop certain types of cancer .

A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. This can be accomplished surgically (excisional biopsy), or by withdrawing tissue through a needle (aspiration biopsy).

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for disease in the body. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which reveal the structure of and blood flow to and from organs, a PET scan shows how organs and tissues are working. See also: Bone scan; Nuclear ventriculography; Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan; Renal scan; Thyroid scan.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly specialized imaging technique using short-lived radiolabeled substances to produce powerful images of the body's biological function.

Rather than showing the structure of a body part, PET images show the chemical function of an organ or tissue. PET can show changes in how an organ or tissue works. This can help your healthcare provider diagnose problems and develop a treatment plan for you.

Detailed information on positron emission tomography (PET), including information on how PET scans are performed

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive scanning technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactive positrons (positively charged particles) to visualize body function and metabolism .

The positron emission tomography ( PET ) unit is a device used to produce images of the body that reflect biochemical changes taking place in the body. Among the body imaging technologies used in medicine, the PET unit is characterized by its use of positron-emitting tracer substances. Because of its use of short-lived positron-emitting tracers, the PET unit can provide images of biochemical processes. This feature of PET technology distinguishes it from computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies, which can provide only images of the structure of the body.

PET Scan Use in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment MonitoringFinding cancer at its earliest stage can give the best chance of being able to cure it. Different tests are used to find cancers and to help find out if the cancer has spread.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive scanning technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactive positrons (positively charged particles) to visualize body function and metabolism.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly specialized imaging technique using short-lived radiolabeled substances to produce extremely high resolution images of the body's biological function.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive scanning technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactive positrons (positively charged particles) to visualize body function and metabolism.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a scanning technique used in conjunction with small amounts of radiolabeled compounds to visualize brain anatomy and function. A PET scan showing brain activity while patient recognizes faces—left sides at left/right sides at right. Activity is prevalent in temporal lobe (bottom scans). ( Photo Researchers . Reproduced by permission.)

Are the gamma rays of a PET scan dangerous? Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive way to take pictures of the body. Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic (CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet. The magnetic field produced by an MRI is about 10 thousand times greater than the earth's. The magnetic field forces hydrogen atoms in the body to line up in a certain way (similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet. When radio waves are sent toward the lined-up hydrogen atoms, they bounce back, and a computer records the signal. Different types of tissues send back different signals. Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces dozens or sometimes hundreds of images. For more information, see the specific MRI topics: Abdominal MRI; Chest MRI; Cranial MRI; Heart MRI; Lumbosacral spine MRI; Spine MRI.

Cardiac nuclear imaging is also called a “perfusion scan.” A radioactive tracer is delivered into the bloodstream. Then a camera scans the tracer in the blood as it flows through the heart muscle.

Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging, including how the image is performed and what happens following the procedure

New MRI machines and new techniques result in images that show prostate cancer in much greater detail, allowing biopsies to be targeted more precisely, and thus cancer staging can be more accurate as well.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image.Before Your TestMRI uses ...

A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about the safety of MRIs for those who have stents.

When I had an MRI of my knee, I was told the test was dangerous for people who have metal devices in their bodies. Since then, I developed angina and my cardiologist put in a metal stent. If I need an MRI in the future, will I be able to get one?

Studies have found that MRI tests used in addition to mammography detected more cancers in women at high risk for breast cancer. Women at average risk would not necessarily benefit from the additional testing.

Is a regular MRI more accurate then an open MRI? Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Persons with pacemakers cannot get an MRI because it conflicts with the pacemaker's function. Future pacemakers will likely be made MRI-safe, but this will probably take at least several more years.

How safe is it for a baby who is 6 months old to have an MRI? Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".

MRI produces a map of hydrogen atoms distributed in the body. Hydrogen is the simplest element known, the most abundant in biological tissue, and one that can be magnetically polarized. It will align itself within a strong magnetic field, like the needle of a compass. The earth's magnetic field is not strong enough to polarize a person's hydrogen atoms, but the superconducting magnet of an MRI machine can do this. The strength of the earth's magnetic field is approximately 1 gauss. Typical field strength of an MRI unit, with a superconducting magnet, is 1,500 gauss, expressed as 1.5 kilogauss or 1.5 Tesla units. This comprises the "magnetic" part of MRI. There are also low field units with 0.5 Tesla strength, often with open MRI units. Once a patient's hydrogen atoms have been aligned in the magnet, pulses of very specific radio wave frequencies jolt them out of alignment. The hydrogen atoms alternately absorb and emit radio wave energy, vibrating back and forth between their resting (polarized) state and their agitated (radio pulse) state. This comprises the "resonance" part of MRI. The patient does not detect this process. The MRI equipment detects the duration, strength, and source location of the signals emitted by the atoms as they relax. This data is translated into an image on a television monitor. The amount of hydrogen in diseased tissue differs from the amount in healthy tissue of the same type, making MRI particularly effective at identifying tumors and other lesions. In some cases, chemical agents such as gadolinium can be injected to improve the contrast between healthy and diseased tissue. A single MRI exposure produces a two-dimensional image of a slice through the entire target area. A series of these image slices closely spaced (usually less than half an inch [1.25 cm]) provides a virtual three-dimensional view of the area.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a unique and versatile medical imaging modality. Doctors can obtain highly refined images of the body's interior using MRI. By using strong magnetic fields and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body, this technique produces images not possible with other diagnostic imaging methods. MRI is particularly useful for imaging the brain and spine, as well as the soft tissues of joints and the interior structure of bones. The entire body can be imaged using MRI, and the technology poses few known health risks.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners rely on the principles of atomic nuclear-spin resonance. Using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI collects and correlates deflections caused by atoms into images. MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging tests) offer relatively sharp pictures and allow physicians to see internal bodily structures with great detail. Using MRI technology, physicians are increasingly able to make diagnosis of serious pathology (e.g., tumors) earlier, and earlier diagnosis often translates to a more favorable outcome for the patient.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the newest diagnostic medical imaging technologies that uses strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body to generate a visible image. In the field of mental health, an MRI scan may be used when a patient seeks medical help for symptoms that could possibly be caused by a brain tumor. These symptoms may include headaches, emotional abnormalities, or intellectual or memory problems. In these cases, an MRI scan may be performed to "rule out" a tumor, so that other tests can be performed in order to establish an accurate diagnosis .

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body's interior without surgery, using MRI. By using strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body, this technique makes better images of organs and soft tissues than those of other scanning technologies. MRI is particularly useful for imaging the brain and spine, as well as the soft tissues of joints and the interior structure of bones. The entire body is visible to the technique, which poses few known health risks.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to generate images of the anatomy.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body's interior without surgery using MRI. By using strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body, this technique makes better images of organs and soft tissues than those of other brain scanning technologies. MRI is particularly useful for imaging the brain and spine, as well as the soft tissues of joints and the interior structure of bones, as well as the liver. The entire body is visible with MRI, and the technique poses few known health risks.

People with certain kinds of pacemakers or ICDs can safely undergo an MRI, as long as a series of safety precautions is carefully followed.

Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed

A biopsy describes the procedure that is used to obtain a very small piece of the target tissue. For some tissues, like the lining of the cheek, cells can be obtained just by scrapping the tissue surface. Other samples are collected using forceps that are positioned at the end of an optical device called an endoscope. The physician can view the tissue surface (such as the wall of the large intestine) through the endoscope and use the forceps to pluck tissue from the desired region of the surface. In other cases, the tissue sample needs to be collected as a "plug," using a large hypodermic needle. Examples of the latter include liver or kidney biopsy samples. Samples of muscles and nerves can also be obtained by cutting out a small piece of the target once an incision has been made. When a biopsy is obtained using a needle, the retrieval of a sample relies on the design of the needle and the energy of its insertion into the tissue. The needle used is a hollow tube with a sharp point capable of puncturing tissue. As the needle is driven deeper into a tissue following puncture, tissue will accumulate in the hollow tube. When the needle is withdrawn from the tissue, the plug of tissue remains in the needle tube and can be retrieved for analysis. Many biopsy samples are examined using a light microscope to look for abnormalities in the tissues cells. This examination can involve the staining of the sample to specifically detect target molecules. As well, samples can be used for various biochemical tests, and even to test for the presence and activity of particular genes. A biopsy can remove the entire target region (excisional biopsy) or can remove just a small portion of the target region (incisional biopsy). The latter can be done in three different ways, depending on the sample. A shave biopsy slices off surface tissue. Samples collected by piercing the tissue with a needle represent a punch biopsy. Finally, in fine needle aspiration, a needle is inserted and tissue is subsequently withdrawn into the needle using a syringe.

Detailed information on biopsy, including the most common types of biopsy such as endoscopic biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy

Biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a piece of tissue and/or cells are removed to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

Detailed information on several of the different divisions of anatomical pathology, including biopsy, surgical pathology, cytology, and autopsy

Image-Guided BiopsyAbiopsyis a small sample of tissue or fluid taken from the body. This sample can then be studied in a laboratory.

If You Are Having a BiopsyQuestions for the doctor:What type of biopsy will I have?Why do I need a biopsy?

Detailed information on biopsy and the biopsy report

A medical procedure used to diagnose a condition. Most biopsies involve taking a small piece of skin or muscle under a local anesthetic. When the cells to be analyzed are accessible by needle, the biopsy specimen may be removed with a hollow aspiration needle, which is used to suck out the sample of cells. Aspirations are typically performed with local anesthesia; in addition, ultrasound imagery or other scanning devices may aid in locating the cells of interest. In cases where the cells are not accessible by needle, a longer tube called an endoscope may be inserted into the body with forceps attached for acquiring the specimen. Biopsy analysis is used in diagnosing cancer and muscular dystrophy.

Tumor markers are a group of proteins, hormones, enzymes, receptors, and other cellular products that are overexpressed (produced in higher than normal amounts) by malignant cells. Tumor markers are usually normal cellular constituents that are present at normal or very low levels in the blood of healthy persons. If the substance in question is produced by the tumor, its levels will be increased either in the blood or in the tissue of origin.

A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease.

Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body.

Ultrasonography is a diagnostic technique that involves directing high frequency sound waves at tissues in the body to generate images of anatomical structures. Ultrasonography is also called sonography, diagnostic sonography, and echocardiography when it is used to image the heart.

Detailed information on ultrasonograpy, also called sonography including information on how the procedure is performed

Detailed information on ultrasound and the potential risks and benefits

A thyroid ultrasound, or sonogram, is a diagnostic imaging technique used to evaluate the structure of the thyroid gland . The thyroid is an endocrine gland, which means that it releases its secretions directly into the bloodstream or lymph. It consists of two lobes located in the front of the neck that are connected by a thin band of tissue called the isthmus, which lies in front of the trachea (windpipe). Ultrasound procedures utilize high frequency sound waves to obtain images of various anatomical structures. Ultrasonography is the most common imaging technique used to evaluate the thyroid because it is not invasive, does not expose patients to radioactive materials, is less expensive than CT scans or MRI, and is more effective in detecting small lesions on the thyroid.

My Ob/Gyn said they found fluid in the baby's kidneys during my 20-week ultrasound, so I have to have a level 2 ultrasound done. What does this mean?

Diagnostic medical sonography, or ultrasound, is a technique using high frequency sound to create images of specific areas of the body to diagnose various pathologies. The diagnostic medical sonographer performs examinations, records anatomic condition and provides diagnostic information.

Ultrasonography is the study of internal organs or blood vessels using high-frequency sound waves. The actual test is called an ultrasound scan or sonogram. Duplex ultrasonography uses Doppler technology to study blood cells moving through major veins and arteries. There are several types of ultrasound. Each is used in diagnosing specific parts of the body.

The use of ultrasound to obtain diagnostic images is referred to as diagnostic sonography. Since diagnostic sonography utilizes a nonionizing form of energy, there are no known bioeffects. Thus, diagnostic sonography is applied to a large spectrum of clinical disorders, including obstetrical, gynecological, abdominal, urologic, pediatric, and vascular applications. Sonographic images are displayed in real time, which allows the study of dynamic processes. In addition, a method called Doppler interrogation, which uses ultrasound, can provide important information regarding blood flow. A RTHUR C. F LEISCHER ( SEE ALSO : Maternal and Child Health ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Care )