Our radiologists meet the quality criteria of the Swiss Cancer League and the Swiss Society of Senology, which have awarded them their quality label. They guarantee you cutting-edge expertise.
There are different ways to perform a breast radiological examination:
SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts that can detect the presence of cancer. Mammography can also be performed by tomosynthesis, which makes it possible to obtain 3-dimensional images and therefore better resolution of the breast.
Our center welcomes you for mammograms for diagnostic purposes or as part of the screening program organized by the Geneva Foundation.
Types of mammograms
- You can have a diagnostic mammogram at any time for a check-up or in case of symptoms. In this case, you are referred to our team by your gynaecologist or your attending physician. The radiologist examines you, analyses your images, judges if they need to be supplemented by an ultrasound and informs you of your results.
- Screening mammography is offered by the Geneva Foundation for Cancer Screening, once every two years, to women aged 50 to 74, living in Geneva, regardless of their insurance. Cross-border women, working in Geneva and benefiting from basic LAMal/KVG insurance, can also benefit from this programme. You will not see any doctor following your examination and will be informed by mail of your results or the need for further examinations.
Cost
- The cost of a screening mammogram by the Geneva Foundation is the same in a public or private hospital, 90% of the costs being reimbursed by basic insurance.
How to prepare for the exam : Take with you old pictures that may have been taken in another Centre. The exam does not require fasting.
How the exam works: The exam lasts about fifteen minutes. With the help of the radiology technician, the breast is placed on the mammography plate and has another plate flattened it, in order to reduce the risk of irradiation and improve the quality of the image obtained. A second image is usually made, in order to obtain an oblique visualization.
What are the advantages of such an examination : Mammography can detect very small tumors, which cannot be detected by palpation. This makes it possible to manage the patient at the very beginning of the disease.
BREAST ULTRASOUND
This is an examination performed with ultrasound, often in addition to a mammogram, when an abnormality is detected. The gel applied to the patient's breast allows the ultrasound probe to transmit the ultrasound necessary for tissue analysis. This non-invasive method is painless, unless the patient is sensitive to the breasts.
How to prepare for the exam: The patient does not need to prepare for the exam , it can be done at any time during the cycle.
How the exam works: The exam lasts about fifteen minutes. The ultrasound probe is covered with hypoallergenic gel before being applied to the patient's breast. The radiologist then systematically moves it in the same direction.
What are the advantages of such an examination : Ultrasound is usually used following a mammogram, to obtain a more accurate diagnosis of the lesions detected. It does not cause any irradiation in the patient and there is very little risk of intolerance to the gel, the latter being hypoallergenic.
BREAST BIOPSY (ALL TYPES)
This type of examination is, like ultrasound, generally performed in a complementary way to a mammogram, specifically in the case of a detection of breast nodules. The radiologist performs this examination under radiological guidance, ultrasound or with the help of MRI. This procedure makes it possible to obtain breast tissue and analyse it.
How to prepare for the exam : Any coagulant intake must be reported when making an appointment. The patient does not need to be fasting for this examination.
How the exam is done: The exam can last 20 to 30 minutes depending on the number of samples to be taken and is done under local anesthesia.
A distinction must be made between microbiopsy and macrobiopsy. As the name suggests, microbiopsy is performed with a finer needle. The radiologist takes several samples in a row, by puncture in the patient's breast. This type of examination is usually performed under the supervision of an ultrasound machine. The macrobiopsy, on the other hand, is introduced into the patient's breast only once, allowing the radiologist to remove several areas at once.
What are the advantages of such an examination : The biopsy makes it possible to remove a part of tissue in a very precise way, making it possible to confirm or deny the presence of a malignant tumor.
MRI BREAST
MRI is a large machine that produces electromagnetic waves without X-rays. This type of examination allows the visualization of the vascular system of breast tissue, in order to detect supervascularized areas.
How to prepare for the exam : Breast MRI should usually be done between days8 and 12 of the menstrual cycle. No type of preparation is necessary for this type of exam.
How the examination takes place: The breast MRI lasts about thirty minutes, during which the patient lies on her stomach. The table has two openings, in order to let the breasts pass. No metal particles can be present in the room during the procedure. For example, if you have a pacemaker, surgical clips or heart valves of a certain type, it will be up to the radiologist to decide whether or not the MRI should take place. In order to increase the contrast of the imaging, an injection of contrast medium by venous route and using a catheter takes place systematically.
What are the advantages of such an examination : Breast MRI generally allows a more accurate diagnosis than mammography by detecting 98% of benign and malignant lesions of the breast. It is a non-irradiating and non-invasive method for the patient.