PHX Reporter

PHOENIX (Sept. 23, 2024) -- With Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Banner Imaging aims to educate the public on different types of breast imaging, their purposes, and who might need them.

Dr. Saumil Kadakia, a radiologist with Banner Imaging, states that all breast cancer screenings start with a standard mammogram, which is an x-ray of the breasts.

He mentions that if a screening mammogram detects something unusual, the patient will be called back for a diagnostic mammogram to examine the area more closely.

“If you’re called back for a diagnostic mammogram, the technologist will perform the images the radiologist has requested, the radiologist reviews all the images right away and you’ll leave with a letter about the results,” says Amanda Salazar, a multi-modality technologist with Banner Imaging.

Dr. Kadakia adds that patients with dense breast tissue or those at increased risk or with a strong family history of breast cancer may also undergo additional screening through breast ultrasound or MRI.

The breast ultrasound provides more information about a breast lump by showing whether it is a solid mass or fluid-filled cyst.

A breast MRI can offer more detailed pictures of the breast. Dr. Kadakia explains that this method is sometimes used to look more closely for other areas of cancer in the affected breast or breasts.

“Being asked to come back for a diagnostic mammogram or another breast imaging test doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong,” Salazar said. “There could be many reasons, from technical adjustments to clarifying unclear images. Take a deep breath and ease your mind; most callbacks are simply about being thorough.”

To schedule your screening mammogram, call Banner Imaging at 480-610-7400.

Banner Imaging operates over 30 imaging centers offering various outpatient services, including 10 dedicated breast centers—seven of which are comprehensive breast imaging centers in Arizona and northern Colorado.

Banner Health is one of the largest secular nonprofit healthcare systems in the country. It operates 33 acute-care hospitals and includes an academic medicine division named Banner – University Medicine and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center—a partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center. Their services include health insurance divisions, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, behavioral health services, research divisions and nursing registries. All Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits; patients can reserve spots at urgent care locations and book appointments online with many doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information visit bannerhealth.com.