Give us your feedback

What is breast imaging?

Macquarie Medical Imaging (MMI) offers a comprehensive suite of breast imaging services such as 3D digital mammography with tomosynthesis, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and specialised breast procedures including core biopsy and hookwire localisation. All services are provided by our specialist team of radiographers, sonographers and radiologists.

Mammography has been used for many years and advancements in technology and techniques have resulted in dedicated equipment specifically for breast imaging. Mammogram is the leading modality to detect breast cancer in its early stages, which is when it is most curable.  We produce high-quality images, with a low radiation dose, allowing our specialist breast imaging radiologists to report to your referring doctor about any abnormalities detected.

We recommend that you discuss your imaging options with your doctor, as many factors may influence their recommendation on when to have breast imaging, including family history, persistent or unusual pain, and changes to the look and feel of your breast.

All mammography  is booked at our practice located in Macquarie University Hospital. Once you have a referral from your doctor, contact our customer service team who will arrange an appointment for you and can provide specific preparation requirements (if any).

The following information may help you to prepare for your appointment.

Even if you have no symptoms, a screening mammogram can detect changes to breast tissue. We suggest you speak with your doctor if you have concerns to discuss if breast screening is appropriate for you.

A Medicare rebate may not be available for a screening mammogram. This can be confirmed once our customer service team has seen your referral.

This is commonly requested by your doctor if you have any of the following:

  • a past history of breast cancer and/or family history of breast cancer
  • symptoms or indications of breast malignancy
  • focal lump or thickening or dimpling (rather than generalised or cyclical)
  • nipple change and/or discharge

A Medicare rebate is available.

Your doctor may request an ultrasound as well as, or instead of, a mammogram, and will add this option to your referral if appropriate. Images are created using soundwaves and the process does not emit radiation like X-rays or mammograms.

An ultrasound may be requested:

  • in association with a diagnostic mammogram
  • if you are under 30
  • where malignancy is suspected

Medicare rebate is available.

If your doctor refers you for a breast MRI, we can arrange this for you.

MRI is able to create very detailed images of the breast tissue and is a technique that uses a magnetic field to create an image. It does not use radiation or X-rays like mammograms.

You will be asked to complete an MRI Safety Questionnaire before your appointment and our MRI team will address any concerns that you may have before your scan.

Limited Medicare rebate is available. There are very strict rules about who can qualify for a Medicare rebate, and you should discuss these rules with your doctor or our customer service team, who can advise you once they have seen your referral.

If your doctor requests for you to have a breast biopsy, this is a simple medical procedure where a sample of breast tissue is removed by our specialist breast radiologist and is then tested by a pathologist. A biopsy is typically performed if your doctor is concerned about the results of a mammogram or breast ultrasound, or if a lump was found during a physical examination.

Medicare rebate is available.

If you have been scheduled for breast surgery, our specialist breast radiologist may be asked to perform a medical procedure called a hookwire localisation before your surgery. Under local anaesthetic, the radiologist places a fine wire called a hookwire into the breast tissue with its tip at the site of concern. This procedure may be done using ultrasound or mammography to ensure the hookwire is in the correct position. Your surgeon can then use the hookwire as a marker to identify the site during the operation.

Medicare rebate is available.