Gamma Camera Imagery of Breast

A newer imaging procedure especially effective for women with dense breasts and small tumors.

The purpose of BSGI is to obtain clear images of small tumors that mammograms may not reveal or fully show, or to further screen women newly diagnosed with breast cancer for the purpose of detecting additional lesions too small to be detected by mammogram or breast ultrasound. Another application is to test for any remaining cancerous tissue after a tumor is excised or treated with radiation therapy. BSGI is used to solve problems, not screen in average-risk, healthy women.

BSGI may be recommended for patients who have:

• dense breasts
• breast implants
• claustrophobia
• Pacemaker or other metal medical device
• multiple lesions and/or calcifications revealed on mammorgram or breast MRI
• lumps felt under the skin yet not visible via other screening methods
• had a recent surgery or other treatment for breast cancer (to check for any remaining cancerous tissue)

A small dose of radioactive material is injected into the arm. The material is absorbed by all cells, but cancer cells tend to draw in more of it, highlighting the tumor. Then two camera heads take digital images of the breast and surrounding tissue from different angles.

You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a gown. The technician will position your breast between two cameras. You’ll feel a light compression on the breast. Each image can take 5 to 10 minutes to acquire. The results are generated on a computer and can be manipulated by the radiologist, who then analyzes the data. A final report will be sent to your physician. Each session lasts about 40 minutes.

There is no special preparation for a BSGI. Just be sure to inform the radiologist if you are pregnant or think you could be.