Breast imaging / lesion workup

Breast lesion workup is typically via the "triple test"

1. • Clinical exam

   • imaging

   • Pathologic analysis (non-surgical biopsy)

Normal workup process

1. Refer to breast surgical unit who will help to guide appropriate workup

2. US and mammo are almost always performed at the same time, as a single assessment

   • Correlation between 2 modalities is an important part of reporting

   • Any prior imaging should be imported via hub and spoke requests to enable comparison

3. Biopsy usually follows clinical examination by a breast surgeon

Contrast mammography: Only at Sunshine.

Workup logistics tips:

• Workup can usually done on OUTPATIENT basis, and is usually performed at Sunshine campus. Under extenuating circumstances, it can be organised for inpatients on a case by case basis, and rarely at Footscray campus due to staffing and equipment availability.

• Liaise with duty registrar, breast specialist radiologist and breast surgical unit as required.

• Inpatient time slot workup can take some time to organise, and usually needs a cannula for IV contrast to be given.

• Patients who are confused due to delirium or dementia can be very difficult to assess with mammography and US.

Biopsy: see PAC Procedure booking page