The radiologists from SJG Weert have recently started an additional research technique in the detection of breast cancer. Thanks to the use of contrast fluid in a mammography, tumors are better and more visible. Radiologist Peter Veekmans: “With this technique we see more and also smaller deviations in the chest. Contrastmammography has the same sensitivity as an MRI scan, which was used for this until now.”
If there is a suspicion of a deviation in the chest, there is usually a mammography (X -ray of the breast) made. If a deviation can be seen, additional research can be used in the form of an ultrasound, MRI scan or biopsy (piece of tissue from the chest).
In SJG Weert there is now an additional research option available: a contrast mammography. With this addition, the hospital has the entire palette of research techniques for breast cancer diagnostics in -house. With this so-called contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), contrast fluid is injected just before the mammography via an infusion in the arm. Furthermore, the procedure runs the same as when making a mammography. The contrast fluid accumulates in malignant tumor tissue, so that this place lights up in the photo.
Clarity faster
“Tumors are visible on the contrast mammography that are sometimes not visible on a normal mammography,” says radiologist Peter Veekmans. “For all women who are forwarded from the population screening, this technique is used from now on. To date, they have received an MRI scan if necessary. This scan is now less frequent. Thanks to the contrast mammography, patients have clarity faster, because they do not have to wait for an MRI test. The MRI scanner is therefore more available for other research. are.
With the addition of contrast mammography, SJG Weert has all research techniques for breast cancer in the house. “We now offer all mammadiagnostics in our own hospital: mammography, contrast mammography, ultrasound, MRI, ultrasound management biopsy, MRI-conducted biopsy.”
