Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging
Women in Tucson now have another diagnostic tool available in the fight against breast cancer. Breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) is appropriate when the results of a mammogram are inconclusive and/or the woman has dense breasts, scar tissue from a previous surgery or breast implants that may make it difficult to detect breast abnormalities.
Northwest Women's Imaging is the only imaging center in town to offer BSGI.
How is a BSGI exam performed?
With BSGI, the patient receives a pharmaceutical tracing agent that is absorbed by all the cells in the body. Due to their increased rate of metabolic activity, cancerous cells in the breast absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent than normal, healthy cells and generally appear as "dark spots" on the BSGI image.
How long does BSGI take?
The BSGI exam takes about one hour to perform. Because there is only slight compression of the breast and patients are seated throughout the entire procedure, it is much more comfortable than a mammogram. The staff will work to make your exam as easy as possible and get the results to you and your primary care physician or OB/GYN quickly.
Patients will need a referral from a physician for the BSGI exam. Although insurance companies generally cover BSGI, please contact your individual plan administrator for benefit coverage information.
To learn more about BSGI, call Northwest Women's Imaging at (520) 877-4190.