Breast Imaging (Mammography)

The University of Michigan Division of Breast Imaging represents a specialized group of clinical imaging services within the Department of Radiology. We perform more than 40,000 comprehensive examinations every year utilizing the latest equipment available.

Our division consists of 11 distinguished radiologists involved in clinical care and research. There is a long-standing history of close collaboration with the multidisciplinary team at our Breast Care Center staffed by breast surgeons, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and plastic surgeons.

Breast Imaging is also part of our Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world's 21 leading cancer centers.

Cutting-edge film/screen and digital mammography units are used, as well as ultrasound breast scanners. There is also access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units. Image-guided procedures include:

• Stereotactic core needle biopsies - uses x-ray mammography to obtain samples of tissue through a small incision using needles
• Wire localizations – uses a wire to mark a very small breast abnormality for a biopsy or lumpectomy
• Image-guided fine-needle aspirations - image guidance using fine needles to determine the solid or cystic nature of a mass and to sample lymph nodes under the arm
• Ultrasound-guided core biopsy - uses ultrasound to obtain samples of tissue using needles, similar to a stereotactic core biopsy

The most common examination performed is screening mammography of women 40 years of age and over as recommended by the American Medical Association, American Cancer Society and American College of Radiology. It is used to detect breast abnormalities before they have a chance to become clinically apparent.

Diagnostic mammogram is a radiographic examination used to further investigate a finding identified on screening mammography or when there is a clinical finding, such as a new mass.

We are fully accredited by the American College of Radiology, in compliance with the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services and the Food and Drug Administration's Mammography Quality Standards Act. The Department of Radiology also consults on mammograms taken outside the University of Michigan Health System.