WOMEN'S HEALTH AT THE RADIOLOGY GROUP
Special focus on women's health
Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening.
The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through detection of characteristic masses or microcalcifications.
We started doing mammography again at Mediclinic Heart Hospital on 28 August 2018.
POSSIBLE STEPS IN THE DIAGNOSIS
MAMMOGRAM
This will be the fist step in the evaluation and will determine if further investigations will be required.
The American College of Radiology recommends yearly mammography from the age of 40 for average risk women.
High risk women (family history) may have to start earlier.
BREAST ULTRASOUND
This will be done to further evaluate possible lesions in the breast. Routine ultrasound is done if the breast tissue appears dense on the mammogram.
At The Radiology Group Inc. all patients get an ultrasound.
NEEDLE BIOPSY/VACUUM BIOPSY
This will only be required to evaluate a suspicious lesion for definite diagnosis.
We also perform ultrasound guided vacuum biopsies.
Please see the link for a video regarding the procedure.
OUR TEAM
Dr Mia Joubert
Radiologist
Nontobeko Shezi
Mammographer and Radiographer
Duduzile Nyalunga
Sonographer
Silindile Maphanga
Sonographer
Dr Khomotso Modiba
Radiologist
Naledi Burds
Mammographer and Radiographer
Tsholofelo Mohafe
Mammographer and Radiographer
Bonolo Molamu
Mammographer and Radiographer
Bashiera Daniels
Mammographer and Radiographer
FAQS
WHEN DO I NEED TO GET A MAMMOGRAM?
The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammography screening starting at age 40 for women of average risk of developing breast cancer.
Higher-risk women (with a mother or sister diagnosed with pre-menopausal cancer or the BRCA gene mutation, previous chest radiation therapy or patients with ovarian cancer) should start mammographic screening by age 30 but not before age 25, or 10 years before the age of the diagnosis of the youngest affected relative.
All women, especially black women and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, should be evaluated for breast cancer risk no later than age 30, so that those at higher risk can be identified and can benefit from supplemental screening.
The addition of ultrasound to screening mammography may be useful in women with dense breast tissue on mammography.
https://www.acr.org/Advocacy-and-Economics/ACR-Position-Statements
CAN I GET A SAME-DAY APPOINTMENT?
Absolutely Yes! Please just phone our unit first to confirm that our mammographer will be in the departement.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY GENERAL PRACTITIONER?
No. No referral is necessary for a mammogram.
Find out from your medical aid and your family doctor. They will explain what is covered and how often.
Discovery Medical Aid:
https://www.discovery.co.za/portal/individual/vit-points-mammogram#
Gems Medical Aid:
https://cms.mhg.co.za/default.aspx?AMtptorFClJWZE3rLvkivQ==
Medihelp:
https://www.medihelp.co.za/blog-article/28-may-international-day-of-action-for-women-s-health
Fedhealth:
https://www.fedhealth.co.za/zoom-on-benefits/screening-benefit-new/
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF A LESION IS FOUND?
We tend to biopsy all solid lesions in patients older than 40y, even if it has no suspicious features. If you are less than 40y, we will only biopsy a lesion if it has suspicious features.
We will follow up the biopsy results, correlate it with the imaging findings and call you with the results.
DO I EVER NEED TO REPEAT THE MAMMOGRAM IF IT WAS NORMAL?
Yes.
Even though your mammogram is normal, you still need to repeat it yearly. Cancer can develop at any time.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT BREAST CANCER?
There are numerous internet sites on this topic and a quick search wil reveal many. It is still the best option to speak to your family doctor or surgeon directly about this topic. There are also support groups for breast cancer patients.
