SCIENTIFIC REPORT 2010 - 2011 - IOV

Mission
The Breast Imaging Unit mission is manifested in the Diagnostic
service for breast disease for the population of Padova, the Veneto
Region and Italy, and in the specialist support given to the medical
and surgical units of the IOV. The Breast Imaging Unit has been
organized to provide tailored diagnostic paths, on the basis of
individual patient needs, using multiple imaging techniques,
and ensuring the integration of all diagnostic information, as well
Clinical Activity
The Breast Imaging Unit is equipped with all standard
modalities used in breast imaging:
Three direct digital mammography units, including review
workstations;
Four ultrasound scanners with suitable soft tissue probes;
One dedicated prone table for vacuum-assisted breast biopsy,
X-ray guided;
One optical microscope for analysis of fine needle aspiration
cytology specimens;
One 1.5 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, shared
with the Radiology Unit, where the equipment is installed.
This permits both diagnostic and interventional actions,
according to clinical needs.
Outpatient services
The Breast Imaging Unit mission is diagnosis of breast diseases,
in particular early cancer detection, using imaging techniques
evidence-based. Each breast radiologist, after initial clinical
assessment, is responsible, for the full patient management and
workup, including integration of multiple imaging techniques
and/or interventional procedures image-guided in sub-clinical
lesions. Diagnostic actions include pretreatment cancer staging
by MRI with contrast media.
Inpatient services
Priority is given to the needs of the Medical Oncology Units,
with special care to consultations for surgical and/or pharmacological
strategies. The Breast Imaging Unit works in close collaboration
with all the other Units involved in breast cancer care, especially
as humanization of doctor-patient relationship in all phases of
workup, from communication of diagnosis to follow-up planning.
Examinations are carried out under the direction of each radiologist
who always works in team with a breast radiographer. The Breast
Imaging Unit is ISO-certified since 2004 and its quality manual is
continuously updated.
for intervention planning of subclinical lesions which require
ultrasound-or x-ray-guided localizations, as well as patient followup
after treatment. Patient follow-up scheduled as planned by the
medical oncology units. The “complex cases” are reviewed and
discussed in consensus multidisciplinary meetings, involving
radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, and any other specialist who
is part of the Breast Unit. The Breast Imaging Unit represents
an area of excellence for diagnosis of subclinical lesions, in both
diagnostic and preoperative phases. The Breast Imaging Unit also
represents a possible diagnostic reference during patient follow-up
in detection of recurrences or in evaluation of breast reconstruction
with implants and/or biological tissues.
Types and amounts of examinations performed in 2010
Clinical and instrumental breast examinations (breast
examination, ultrasounds, and mammography)
THE DEPARTMENTS - DEPARTMENT OF IMAGING, RADIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY
98
9.975
MRI of the breast with and without contrast media 550
Fine needle aspiration cytology 1.165
Tru-cut needle aspiration biopsy (microbiopsy) 297
External Consultation 474
Preoperative localization ultrasound-guided 235
Preoperative localization x-ray-guided 120
Intraoperative mammographic evaluation 77