Methodist Hospital offers Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) – a new tool for the early detection of breast cancer. The hospital’s Women’s Diagnostic Center is the first in the Delaware Valley to provide this new technology to the community.

Although mammography remains the standard tool for annual breast cancer screenings, it is known to miss 10 to 15 percent of cancers – especially in women with dense breast tissue or breast implants. Mammography technology primarily assesses anatomical differences. Because of this, dense tissue and cancer can have a similar appearance on a mammogram. It therefore may be difficult to identify the cancer or may lead to unnecessary biopsies.

However, because BSGI operates on a cellular, or molecular, level, it is not affected by tissue density. Breast Specific Gamma Imaging is ideal for women who:

• Have a questionable abnormality on a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI
• Have dense breasts or breast implants
• Have scar tissue form previous breast surgery
• Are high-risk patients
• Have a strong family history of breast cancer
  

How BSGI Works
Performed using a portable unit called the Dilon 6800 Camera, BSGI tests are conducted in an exam room while the patient is sitting down and able to watch TV. A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into the patient’s arm (the same low amount as a patient would receive in a cardiac stress test, a common procedure that has been safely utilized for over 15 years). Since cancer cells have a higher rate of metabolic activity, the tracer concentrates in these cells to a much greater degree than the patient’s normal body cells. If present, the cancer cells will appear as a “hot” area on the images.

The test takes approximately 45 minutes, during which there is no intense breast compression. Results are available immediately.

Methodist Hospital has been caring for South Philadelphia since 1892. For a physician or referral, please call 1-800-JEFF-NOW, or use the online appointment request form. To schedule tests or procedures, call 215-952-1234.