What is a BSGI?

What is BSGI? Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a safe, comfortable imaging technique that can aid in breast cancer diagnosis when a mammogram is inconclusive. This advanced technology is typically used as a non-invasive “next step” when a mammogram shows an area of concern.

What is a BSGI breast imaging?

Breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) is an adjunct modality for breast imaging that, like MRI, uses a physiologic approach to identify lesions in the breast. BSGI has shown sensitivity of 96.4%, comparable with MRI [10], and specificity of 93.3%, greater than MRI [11].

How is BSGI done?

A BSGI exam consists of 4 views that are identical in positioning to a screening mammogram. Each view requires 10 minutes, and the patients must stay still. The total imaging time is 40 minutes. Sestamibi must be injected intravenously, and it delivers a radiation dose to the entire body as it circulates.

Is molecular breast imaging safe?

Molecular breast imaging is a safe procedure. Like every test, it carries certain risks and limitations, such as: Exposure to a low level of radiation. During molecular breast imaging, you’re exposed to a minimal dose of radiation that’s considered safe for routine screening.

Is there an alternative to breast MRI?

BSGI: A comparable alternative to MRI breast cancer screening for at-risk women. Women for whom a breast MRI exam is recommended to supplement a screening mammogram and/or a breast ultrasound, but will not or cannot have an MRI, have an alternative choice.

How much does molecular breast imaging cost?

The cost per patient screened was $176 for mammography alone and $571 for the combination. The cost per cancer detected was $55,851 for mammography alone and $47,597 for the combination.

Does sentinel node injection hurt?

The first step in sentinel lymph node biopsy is injecting a dye or radioactive tracer liquid (or both) into the nipple area. If you’re awake during the procedure, this injection can be painful.

Why is a breast MRI needed?

A breast MRI is used to assess the extent of breast cancer. It’s also used to screen for breast cancer in women thought to have a high risk of the disease. Your doctor may recommend a breast MRI if: You’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and your doctor wants to determine the extent of the cancer.

Why would a doctor order a breast MRI?

What type of mammogram is best for dense breasts?

The most common type of mammogram — digital mammogram — saves images of your breasts as digital files instead of film and allows for more detailed analysis. This is more effective at finding cancer in dense breast tissue than older film mammogram technology.

Does insurance cover molecular breast imaging?

Molecular breast imaging is a new technology that may not be covered by all health insurance providers. Some insurance companies may cover molecular breast imaging for breast cancer diagnosis, but not for breast cancer screening.

Does having lymph nodes removed affect your immune system?

Lymph nodes play a key role in filtering out bacteria and other harmful substances while also exposing them to infection-fighting white blood cells and triggering an immune response. The more lymph nodes you have removed, the greater the disruption to your immune system.