Northern Imaging Victoria, part of Northern Health, has expanded its breast imaging services with a team of seven breast radiologists and dedicated mammography technologists.
It has also instituted a new Women’s Imaging Fellowship in Radiology, which will further contribute to the team’s expertise and knowledge.
In April, Northern Imaging introduced three specialised services: Contrast-Enhanced Mammography, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy and MRI Breast Biopsy.
This expansion has resulted in a fully comprehensive breast imaging service at Northern Health.
According to Northern Imaging Victoria, Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) is a cutting-edge technique that improves cancer identification.
Using a contrast agent, CEM enhances the visibility of abnormalities that may not be clearly visible on a standard mammogram. This technology increases breast cancer detection rates and provides better information for evaluation and treatment planning. Importantly, CEM offers cost-effectiveness and a shorter procedure time than MRI scans.
Northern Imaging Victoria has enhanced biopsy procedures with 3D Tomosynthesis guided Stereotactic Breast Biopsies.
This less invasive alternative to surgical biopsy is used when a small growth or an area of calcifications is detected on a mammogram, which requires further investigation.
The capability to perform 3D tomosynthesis-guided stereotactic biopsies increases the accuracy of the procedure.
MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy is another advanced procedure now available.
This minimally invasive technique precisely targets suspicious areas identified on breast MRI for diagnosis, reducing patients’ discomfort and recovery time.
Northern Imaging Victoria is one of the few providers of this highly specialised service in Victoria.
Director of imaging services, associate professor Terry Kok said, “We now offer a fully comprehensive breast imaging service that few health services can match. I am proud of our team for pioneering these advances in the north.“
Chief medical officer associate professor Wanda Stelmach praised the partnership between Northern Imaging Victoria and Northern Health Breast Unit.
“It is amazing to be able to provide absolutely first-class care to the women in the north of Melbourne and along the northern rural corridor,“ Ms Stelmach said.
