Services
Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI)
Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a functional, molecular breast imaging procedure that detects the heightened metabolic activity of breast cancers. The Dilon 6800® High-Resolution Gamma Camera is optimized for breast imaging to help doctors manage complex diagnostic cases.
BSGI has been performed on more than 80,000 patients in hospitals and private imaging centers across the country.
How BSGI works
A small amount of a commonly used short-duration radioactive agent (99m Technesium labeled sestamibi) is given intravenously in an arm vein. The agent emits invisible gamma rays, which are detected by the camera, which produces a digital image of the breast. Due to the higher metabolic activity of cancer cells, tumors absorb more of the agent and are revealed as focal areas of abnormally increased activity. Since a radioactive tracer is used, this is not a routine exam - it is used selectively in certain clinical situations. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.
Other tests such mammography and ultrasound image the physical structure of the breast. BSGI portrays the actual cellular function of the breast.
BSGI is recognized as a valuable tool when further evaluation is required following a questionable mammogram, especially when patients have:
- Dense breast tissue and elevated risk of breast cancer
- Lesions that can be felt, but not detected with mammography or ultrasound
- Multiple indeterminate or suspicious lesions or clusters of microcalcifications on mammogram
- Post-surgical or post-therapeutic mammographic densities
- Pacemakers, implanted pumps or other devices that are not allowed in MRI.
- Body size or weight exceeding the capacity of MRI.
- Breasts too large to be scanned within the MR breast imaging coil.
- Severe claustrophobia
- Severely compromised renal (kidney) function
- Gadolinium contrast allergy
- Implants – with concern for possible cancer
- Other factors limiting compliance with a prescribed MRI study
Advantages for BSGI
- Can find cancers not seen by mammography or ultrasound
- Comfortable; minimal breast compression is used
- Same-day evaluation
- Images directly comparable to mammography
What to Expect
You will be asked to change into comfortable clothing which we provide for your examination. A locker will be available for your use as well. We encourage you to leave any unnecessary valuables at home.
Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) with the Dilon 6800® Gamma Camera usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to perform. Because there is minimal compression of the breast and patients are seated throughout the entire procedure, it is much more comfortable than a mammogram.
Preparation
There are no dietary restrictions or other preparations for this exam.
Breast Ultrasound
In many cases, additional breast and lymph node diagnostic information is obtained using high-resolution ultrasound, which can help further clarify the nature of breast or lymph node lumps.
Ultrasound is also used to accurately guide biopsies and may be used to place markers prior to surgical biopsy or lumpectomy. Ultrasound is occasionally also used for precise placement of a thin localization wire into a lump which leads the surgeon to the mass.
Precautions and preparation
There are no precautions or preparation requirements.
What to expect
Ultrasound produces pictures with sound waves. You may be asked to change some of your clothing and wear a gown which we will provide. A warm clear gel that conducts the sound beam will be applied to the skin. The gel will not stain skin or clothing and will be removed after the examination.
If you are having a biopsy or placement of a localization wire, a local anesthetic is administered.
For other helpful resources for learning about breast cancer click below:
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship