Breast Imaging
UCSF Breast Imaging offers a full spectrum of imaging techniques for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer and related cancers, using the most advanced equipment. Services offered range from digital mammography to breast MRI and ultrasounds as well as imaging-guided procedures such as taking tissue samples, removing fluid and locating areas of concern before a surgical biopsy.
We have a 30-year record as a world-renowned breast imaging program. Speed of diagnosis is a distinguishing feature of our program, with nearly all breast imaging exam results reported within 24 hours. (Results are available in MyChart or by request from the UCSF Imaging Library.) We use 100 percent full-field digital mammography, which has been proven to detect additional cancers that were missed using older technologies and uses less radiation than analog mammography.
Breast Imaging Services by Location
Breast imaging services are available at several locations. For details, please see below.
Doctor referral required
Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building
- Bone scanning with SPECT/CT
A standard imaging test to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the bones. UCSF bone scanning exams use relatively low doses of radiation to more accurately locate the cancer.
- Breast MRI
Breast MRI uses magnetic waves in conjunction with a contrast substance (dye) injection to take images of the breast. It can show lesions not visible with mammography or ultrasound. UCSF was among the first institutions to perform this test.
- Breast ultrasound
Uses sound waves to evaluate breast lumps in conjunction with mammography.
- Digital diagnostic mammography
A series of breast images that provides a more comprehensive and detailed view. It's appropriate for women with a history of breast cancer, a new breast symptom or an abnormal result on a screening mammogram.
- Digital screening mammography
Done as an annual checkup for women without breast symptoms.
- Lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT/CT
An imaging exam that uses a small amount of radioactive liquid to trace a path from the breast to lymph nodes in the armpit. It allows the breast surgeon to perform a precise extraction of the lymph nodes to evaluate them for disease.
- MRI-guided core biopsy
An advanced imaging technology using MRI to guide the radiologist in obtaining a small tissue sample for evaluation of possible disease.
- PET/CT imaging
An advanced technique that combines functional imaging and anatomic computerized tomography evaluation of the breast, lymph nodes and solid organs to accurately identify sites of disease.
- Stereotactic-guided core breast biopsy
Mammography and a computer-targeted guidance system help the radiologist obtain a small tissue sample for evaluation of possible disease.
- Ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration
Ultrasound technology guides the radiologist in removing fluid from a breast cyst.
- Ultrasound-guided core breast biopsy and fine needle aspiration
Guides the radiologist in removing a small tissue sample for evaluation of possible disease.
- Wall motion study (aka ERNA or MUGA)
Typically performed on breast cancer patients to monitor the effects on the heart of certain high-dose chemotherapy regimens.
- Wire localization procedure
Mammography, ultrasound or MRI-guided procedure performed before surgery to mark an area of concern for the breast surgeon.
Imaging Center at Montgomery St.
- Digital screening mammography
Done as an annual checkup for women without breast symptoms.
- Bone scanning with SPECT/CT
A standard imaging test to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the bones. UCSF bone scanning exams use relatively low doses of radiation to more accurately locate the cancer.
Radiology at the Women's Health Center
- Digital screening mammography
Done as an annual checkup for women without breast symptoms.
- Bone scanning with SPECT/CT
A standard imaging test to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the bones. UCSF bone scanning exams use relatively low doses of radiation to more accurately locate the cancer.
Berkeley Outpatient Center
- Breast ultrasound
Uses sound waves to evaluate breast lumps in conjunction with mammography.
- Digital diagnostic mammography
A series of breast images that provides a more comprehensive and detailed view. It's appropriate for women with a history of breast cancer, a new breast symptom or an abnormal result on a screening mammogram.
- Digital screening mammography
Done as an annual checkup for women without breast symptoms.
- Ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration
Ultrasound technology guides the radiologist in removing fluid from a breast cyst.
- Ultrasound-guided core breast biopsy and fine needle aspiration
Guides the radiologist in removing a small tissue sample for evaluation of possible disease.
Our locations
Clinical trials
Digital Tomosynthesis Mammography and Digital Mammography in Screening Patients for Breast Canc...
The cumulative proportions of participants experiencing the primary endpoint in the two study arms will be compared. The primary comparison of the two study arms will be approached from an Intent-to-Treat perspective and will be b...
Recruiting
Support services
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- List of your medications, including dosages
- Written request form for the procedure, if your doctor gave you one
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
International Services
If you live in another country and are coming to UCSF for medical
treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.
Interpreters
UCSF offers language services at no charge for patients with limited
English, as well as for patients who are deaf or have trouble hearing.
Hospital Stays
Checking into the hospital? Find helpful information by clicking on the relevant “Your Hospital Stay” booklet: Mission Bay, Parnassus or Mount
Zion.
Your Doctor Visit
See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.
Learn moreRelated clinics
Our research initiatives
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Athena Breast Health Network
The Athena Breast Health Network, a collaborative organization that includes UCSF, promotes data sharing to help all partners deliver more effective and personalized care to patients with breast cancer.
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UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Research
UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.
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