What is Breast Scan
Breast scan is an imaging test that is done to examine dense breast tissue. A breast scan is done using a radioactive material that produces images of the breast. A breast scan is used in people who have breast lesions that resulted from:
- Rope-like, lumpy tissue (fibrocystic disease).
- Solid, painless lumps (fibroadenoma).
- Damaged fatty breast tissue (fat necrosis).
A breast scan may also be done to find out the best treatment for people who have breast cancer.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
- Any blood disorders you have.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
- Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant, if this applies.
- Whether you are breastfeeding, if this applies.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
- Slight discomfort from injection of a radioactive substance.
- Allergic reaction to a contrast or radioactive substance used during the procedure.
What happens before the procedure?
- Ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing from the waist up.
- An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
- You will be asked to lie face-down on a table. The breast that will be scanned will be placed through an opening in the table. You may also be asked to get into different positions during the scan.
- The radioactive agent will be injected into the IV tube. You may have a slight metallic taste after the injection.
- A scanner will be placed over the breast to record the radiation, which produces an image of the breast.
- The procedure may be repeated on the other breast.
- When the scan is complete, the IV tube will be removed.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be asked to get up slowly. This helps you avoid light-headedness after lying flat during the procedure.
- Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow. This helps to wash (flush) the remaining radioactive agent out of your body.
It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.
Summary
- A breast scan is an imaging test that looks at breast lesions. A breast scan may also be done to find out the best treatment for people who have breast cancer.
- A radioactive substance is injected through an IV tube, and pictures are taken of the breasts.
- After the procedure, drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow. This helps to wash (flush) the remaining radioactive agent out of your body.
