Advances in Cancer Prevention
Open Access

Nuclear Medicine Breast Imaging

Scintimammography uses small amounts of radioactive material, a special camera and a computer to help investigate a breast abnormality. Scintimammography can detect cancer even when dense breast tissue and breast implants are present. It can reduce unnecessary procedures by helping determine whether a biopsy is needed. This exam requires little to no special preparation. Tell your doctor if there is any chance you are pregnant or you are breastfeeding. List any recent illnesses, medical conditions, allergies and medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may need to wear a gown. Scintimammography is also known as nuclear medicine breast imaging, Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) and Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI). Your doctor may use this exam to investigate a breast abnormality found with mammography. Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material called radiotracers. Doctors use nuclear medicine to diagnose, evaluate, and treat various diseases. These include cancer, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine, or neurological disorders, and other conditions. Nuclear medicine exams pinpoint molecular activity. This gives them the potential to find disease in its earliest stages. They can also show whether you are responding to treatment.

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