Mammography

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. Modern mammography uses very low levels of radiation and a highly specialised film screen combination to provide the highest quality images of the breast while limiting the exposure dose to as low as possible.

Procedures
The core biopsy procedure involves taking a small sample of breast tissue from a targeted area of concern seen on a mammogram. The breast is positioned in the mammography machine which has a square opening in the compression paddle for the Radiologist’s sample. Local anaesthetic is administered and a series of mammograms are taken to pinpoint the target area for the Radiologist. Up to five small tissue samples are taken via a needle.

The hookwire procedure uses a thin wire with a hooked end to guide the surgeon when a patient requires a lumpectomy. The wire is placed into the abnormal area under mammography or ultrasound guidance prior to surgery. The surgeon can then remove much less tissue with a hookwire localisation in a more accurate way.

The Radiology Department provides a diagnostic service to women referred through the Breast Clinic at C&C DHB, ward referrals and some referrals from GPs for patients with a Community Services Card. It does not provide breast screening services. These are provided by Breast Screening Aotearoa Programme (link http://www.nsu.govt.nz/Current-NSU-Programmes/559.asp).

Hours of Operation
Normal hours of operation are 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday except public holidays.

Location
Mammography unit is situated in the Radiology Department, on Level D of the Clinical Services Block at Wellington Hospital until November 3. From November 3, it will be located in Level 2 the new Wellington Regional Hospital.