Digital Mammography

Digital mammography is now state of the art for evaluating the breast. Digital mammography produces very sharp, detailed images of the breast through low-dose X-rays. This is especially beneficial in young women, women with dense breasts, women at high risk for breast cancer, and women with a personal history of breast cancer. The system is equipped with a digital receptor and a computer instead of a film cassette. The mammogram is stored on a computer where magnification, orientation, brightness, and contrast of the image may be adjusted to better interpret the exam and the radiologist is able to see the breast more clearly.

Although breast cancer is very treatable, the best approach is early detection. We encourage you to perform monthly self-examinations, undergo routine annual mammograms, and see your primary care doctor regularly.

Positron Emission Mammography (PEM)

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor may order a PEM scan. PEM stands for positron emission mammography, an advanced form of PET scanning. For decades, PET scanning has helped doctors treat disease, but unlike large PET systems that scan the entire body, the PEM scanner is a special form of PET that isolates and images only the breast. This produces a very sharp, detailed image of abnormal or cancerous tissue.

The images obtained with the PEM scanner show the location of the suspicious masses, giving physicians a “map” upon which they can base your treatment and surgical plan. Knowing the exact location and extent of the cancer guides doctors during surgery and helps assure they remove all suspicious tissue, thereby avoiding repeat surgery. PEM is also used to monitor treatment and check for reoccurrence of disease.

TEPAS Breast Center is the only diagnostic center in Brevard to offer this state-of-the-art tool.