Diagnostic Services

The Breast Center is a diagnostic radiology facility that offers high-quality mammography and breast imaging with prompt reporting and explanation of findings. Clinical services include the following:

Screening Mammogram - This type of mammogram is performed on women who are not currently having any problems with their breasts. They play a significant role in the detection of early-stage breast cancer, which is more curable than invasive breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends screenings mammograms begin at age 40.

Diagnostic Mammogram - These mammograms are performed on someone that is having a problem with their breasts, such as a lump they can feel, spontaneous nipple discharge or focal pain that is not associated with their menstrual cycle (comes and goes with your cycle). Also, if an individual has a personal history of breast cancer, short term follow-up or has been recalled for additional images, they will receive a diagnostic mammogram.

The Breast Center makes sure that the patient leaves her diagnostic mammogram appointment with preliminary results of the examination and a recommendation for follow-up care. The final report will be sent to the referring physician in approximately seven business days. If the patient does not hear from her physician after seven days, she should not assume the results are normal and should call her referring physician for the results.

Ultrasound - This diagnostic test is used to help physicians diagnose changes in the breast. Ultrasounds are not considered a screening tool, but aid in the evaluation of lumps that are hard to see on a mammogram. They may also be helpful in distinguishing between solid tissue and cysts in the breast.

Cyst Aspiration - This test is performed by a radiologist when a cyst is causing significant tenderness or when the diagnosis of a cyst remains in question following the ultrasound. Using ultrasound guidance, a small needle is advanced into the cyst and suction is applied to draw the fluid out, causing the lump to collapse. The aspirated fluid may be discarded or, if bloody, sent for evaluation.

Galactogram - This procedure is performed on individuals that are experiencing nipple discharge. A contrast material is injected into the ducts of the breast to observe the internal structure of the injected duct. The radiologist can interpret the way the material fills the duct(s) and determine if there is a growth within the duct(s) that could be causing the discharge.

Core Needle Biopsy (ultrasound-guided) - A Core Needle Breast Biopsy is performed to remove some cells—either surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle—from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis.

Stereotactic Biopsy - Similar to a Core Need Biopsy, this procedure takes tissue samples from the breast are removed by a radiologist using a hollow needle. The needle is guided by a computer-controlled system using visual coordinates taken from a mammogram. The examination requires only local anesthesia. In many instances, stereotactic breast biopsies avoid the need for surgery.