woman lying on exam table while technician scans under her arm

Breast Imaging Services

Expert Breast Imaging at Emory: Advanced Screening and Diagnostic Care You Can Trust 

At our Breast Imaging Center, we combine compassionate care with the most advanced imaging technology to help detect breast conditions early, when treatment is most effective.

Whether you’re here for a routine screening mammogram or a follow-up MRI, our specialized team is here to support you every step of the way with clear answers and expert guidance.

Emory’s Breast Imaging Center provides highly skilled board-certified radiologists experienced in mammography and breast procedures. Our breast care team will support you during your:

  • Mammography examinations
  • Ultrasounds
  • Breast biopsies

Find an Emory Location: Breast Imaging
Breast Scans & Services

What is Breast Imaging? 

Breast imaging uses safe, specialized tools like mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs to take detailed pictures of breast tissue and help detect any changes or concerns early. 

The standard breast imaging test is a mammogram. It uses X-ray to screen for signs of breast cancer.  

Your doctor may order other imaging tools, like MRIs and ultrasounds. These provide additional details that may not be as visible on a mammogram. 

There are many reasons your doctor may use an MRI or ultrasound. These include:  

  • Advanced breast cancer 
  • Breast implants 
  • Dense breasts 
  • High risk of breast cancer 
  • Pregnancy (to avoid X-ray exposure from a mammogram) 

Doctors also may use MRI and ultrasound to help remove and test a sample of breast cells to see if they’re cancerous. Imaging helps your doctor see where to place a small needle to reach the tissue they want to biopsy. In a stereotactic breast biopsy, the doctor uses a special mammography machine to guide the placement of the needle. 

Depending on your care, your clinical team may also work closely with physicians at our NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. 

"Professional, warm, and caring. The team explains everything so that you can understand what is going on to alleviate any anxiety or fears."

-Patient, Radiology & Imaging

Types of Breast Imaging Services We Offer 

Emory Healthcare uses the most advanced technology for breast imaging services. Your doctor will recommend which procedure is best for you.  

Types of breast imaging services include:   

  • Breast MRI and abbreviated breast MRI
  • Breast ultrasound
  • Breast biopsy (including contrast-enhanced, SAVI, and needle localization breast biopsy)
  • Breast cryoablation
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your doctor will give you instructions for the type of scan you’re having. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may have to change into a gown.

  • Your breast biopsy experience may vary depending on the type (MRI, ultrasound or stereotactic).

    You’ll lie on a padded exam table, and your doctor will numb the area with a small injection. A tiny cut may be made to guide a needle to the right spot using imaging. You’ll need to stay still while a small tissue sample is taken.

    You might feel a quick pinch or some pressure, but most patients find the procedure manageable. It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

  • Your scan may require contrast (dye). If so, you’ll get an IV catheter to administer the dye.  You may feel a cooling sensation. Contrast doesn't have side effects, and your body will naturally eliminate it after the test.

    The MRI machine is shaped like a large tunnel or tube. During a breast MRI scan, you will lie face-down on a padded exam table that slowly moves into the machine for the scan. You need to stay very still during this time.  

    MRI machines are noisy, so we will give you earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing. The MRI technologist may provide instructions, such as asking you to hold your breath briefly.  The scan isn’t painful and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.   

    If you feel nervous about tight spaces, let your doctor know ahead of time. They may give you medicine to help you feel more relaxed. 

Receiving Your Results 

For a breast biopsy, your doctor will send your tissue to a lab for testing. When your doctor has the test results, they’ll share them with you. 

For a breast MRI and breast ultrasound, a radiologist will review your images and write a report for your doctor to discuss with you. 

radiology

Make an Appointment with Emory Radiology & Imaging

Create a MyChart account to schedule online or call 404-778-9729 to schedule an appointment.

radiology

Make an Appointment with Emory Radiology & Imaging

Create a MyChart account to schedule online or call 404-778-9729 to schedule an appointment.