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Breast Imaging FAQs

When is the best time to go for mammography?
- During the peri-menstrual period, the nipple is more sensitive and engorged. It would be best to avoid the pre-menstrual/menstrual period and have the mammogram performed about 1 to 2 weeks after the menstruation period.
What should I wear?
- It is best to wear 2 piece clothing i.e. a top and a pair of pants so as to ease the process of removing the top during mammography.
Why can’t I apply powder, deodorant, cream or perfume when I go for mammography?
- The powder, deodorant, cream or perfume may cause artifacts on the mammography image. The artifacts appear as white spots on the mammography film which may mimic microcalcifications which may be a representation of early cancer.
Once I have a normal mammogram, I am safe from breast cancer?
- Mammography has a false negative rate of about 10% which means even though it might be reported as normal, up to about 10% of normal mammograms may hide a small cancer especially in Asian women where the breast tissue is very dense. In Pacific Healthcare Imaging, we have full field digital mammography and CAD (computer aided detection) software which helps to pick up small early cancers.
Why do I have to undergo breast screening?
- Mammography is the only imaging test that has been shown to reduce mortality (death rate) by about 30%. The Singapore Ministry of Health recommends that all women 40 years old and above should undergo screening mammography.
Why do I need to bring my old films when I go for a mammogram?
- It is important to bring all your old films, especially if it has been performed in another imaging centre as small subtle changes can be better demonstrated when compared to previous mammograms. If a finding has been present and remains unchanged for a sufficient duration on the previous mammograms, it is more likely to be benign and depending on circumstances it may be possible to avoid further investigations.
Why do extra views of my breast sometimes need to be taken?
- After reviewing your mammogram, in about 10% of cases, more views may be ordered by the radiologist to evaluate any indetermindate findings.
Why do I need to go for biopsy?
- Findings on mammograms or breast ultrasound may be non-cancerous (simple cysts etc) or some findings are typical for cancer (irregular spiculated mass). Sometimes however, findings are indeterminate. When the findings are indeterminate or not conclusive, a recommendation for biopsy (removal of some tissue) is made.
When will the biopsy results be ready?
- Results are usually available in 1 to 2 working days.

General FAQs

How soon can I get my appointment?
- In most cases appointments can be given on the same day if required. Certain examinations require specific preparation (e.g. virtual colonoscopy) and will mean appointments a few days later.
How soon can I get my report?
- For general x-rays, mammograms and ultrasound scans, your report should be ready within half an hour from completion of the study. For certain more complex CT scans such as virtual colonoscopy, results may only be available later the same day. This is also true of certain complex cases e.g. follow up scans for cancer.
What kind of CT scanner do you have?
- We use a Siemens Somatom Definition Flash dual source CT scanner. This is a high end machine that excels in cardiac imaging, but is also an excellent all-round machine. The radiation dose for cardiac scans can be as much as 95% less than on older generation equipment when certain conditions are met (see below on radiation dose). It is also significantly faster and can, for example, scan the whole chest in less than 1 second. (link to Siemens).
What is the difference between virtual colonoscopy and conventional (optical) colonoscopy?
- Virtual colonoscopy is a type of CT scan to image the inside of the colon to detect polyps and cancers. It does not require intravenous sedation and carries a lower risk of colon perforation. Both examinations require specific preparation for a couple of days before the appointment. The main advantage of virtual colonoscopy is that you do not have to miss a day of work. As soon as you are done with this exam that takes about one hour, you are free to drive out and continue on with your day. Though traditional optical colonoscopy remains the gold standard, recent clinical trials comparing these two approaches along with the similar effectiveness is making virtual colonoscopy more and more popular. To find out more click here.
Should I stop taking my medication before a scan?
- Most medications do not need to be stopped. Please contact our office with questions regarding specific medication.
Why is contrast injected during a CT scan?
- Contrast agents allow us to highlight blood vessels and characterize abnormal structures in the body. Whether a particular study requires contrast depends on the clinical question being asked and the organ being scanned.
Are you more expensive than other imaging centers?
- Our listed prices are benchmarked against other centers in the region and in most cases are comparable. Please note that our listed price for CT examinations includes the price of IV contrast, where applicable (often charged separately at other centers). For cardiac scans in particular the CT technology we employ is the very latest and we take care to ensure that the lowest possible radiation dose is used during your scan. The radiologist who reads your cardiac scan has also been specifically trained in this technique. The technologist who performs your scan has been chosen for her experience and ability in her field. For screening examinations (e.g. mammography) where you may not have been referred by another doctor, we also make it a point to discuss abnormal results directly with you. We feel that these details add value and make for a better experience.
Is any special preparation required for the scan?
- General x-rays do not require any special preparation. For mammogram do not apply talcum powder or perfume. For ultrasound examinations and CT scans click here. Please bring all available old films from previous examination.
Do you have MRI or PET-CT?
- Not at present, although there are plans to install an MRI unit in the near future.
What is the significance of a coronary calcium score?
- A positive calcium score confirms the presence of coronary artery disease and indicates an increased risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death. However, it does not indicate the severity of any blockages in the arteries. The absence of calcium means that you are less likely to have coronary artery disease but does not completely rule it out, as “soft plaque” is not visible on a calcium score scan. This examination does not require any contrast injection and is quick and easy to perform.
What is the difference between a coronary calcium score and a CTA of the heart and coronaries?
- Unlike the calcium score exam, the coronary CT angiogram (CTA) requires an injection of intravenous contrast to highlight the coronary arteries. It allows detection of both calcified and soft plaque and also permits an estimate of how severe any blockage is. It is a more comprehensive exam compared to the calcium score alone. It can also be used to evaluate other cardiac conditions and to tell if bypass grafts and certain stents have become blocked.
Can I discuss the scan results with the radiologist on site?
- We are happy to discuss scan findings with you when appropriate. However, if your doctor has referred you for the scan, he/she is usually in a better position to give you the results as other clinical and lab information that your doctor has about you is often needed to make the final diagnosis and recommend treatment.
I’m worried about radiation dose!
- We are always mindful about radiation exposure and tailor all scans to utilize the least amount of radiation necessary, but without compromising on the diagnostic quality of the scan. The CT scanner we employ produces lower radiation doses compared with older generation equipment, particularly for cardiac scans. In fact, the radiation dose for cardiac scans can be as much as 95% less than on older generation equipment when conditions are met.
I can’t view the images on the CD you gave me!
- Insert the CD into the PC running on Windows XP/Professional/Vista*
- Wait for the CD to auto load the viewing software. This might take a few minutes.
- Double-click the series of images to view.
- To change the image brightness and density, hold down the middle mouse button and slide the mouse left/right or up/down respectively.
  
  *Only PCs running Windows XP and Vista can be used for the viewing software.