No one knows your body like you do so it’s important to start with
your regular breast examinations and to have your annual mammogram. If
further testing is warranted, East Jefferson’s advanced breast care
diagnostics are easily accessible and comparable to cancer centers nationwide.
Mammography breast screening
The latest 2D and 3D tomosynthesis mammography technology is available
at the Breast Care Center available. Tomosynthesis (3D) gives radiologists
a more detailed view of the breast and studies have shown it improves
mammogram accuracy and findings. Mammography is the most widely available
and scientifically validated screening test in the fight against breast cancer.
Need to cancel your mammogram appointment? 24 hours’ advance notice
is requested.
Breast ultrasound
Following a mammogram, some patients may be referred to for supplemental
imaging of the breasts by Ultrasound or MRI. A high-quality breast ultrasound
takes pictures of a small areas inside the breast by using high-frequency
sound waves from a handheld device (transducer). Images can show cysts,
tumors, and cancer not easily seen on the mammogram.
3T MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the fastest diagnostic MRI technology
available. While the quality of the images is superior, the exams are
also 100 times faster than conventional MRI exams. This makes 3T MRI both
accurate and speedy. A 3T MRI provides a higher degree of comfort to the
patient. Conventional scanners can feel claustrophobic, but 3T MRI features
a more spacious tube, and the patient’s head isn’t inside the bore.
A stereotactic biopsy uses mammographic guidance for the biopsy. The imaging
system uses an X-ray to create stereo pictures from two different angles.
During the procedure, you lie face down on a table and place your breast
into a round opening on the table. Imaging equipment compresses your breast,
like the feeling during a mammogram, to keep it immobile. A small incision
is made in the suspicious area of the breast, and a core biopsy needle
is inserted to take a sample for diagnosis. A small clip will be placed
to mark the area biopsied.
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
An ultrasound biopsy uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time
image of the internal breast. During an ultrasound biopsy, a transducer
is placed on the skin, emitting sound waves that bounce back and create
images of the targeted area. A needle is guided into a mass to remove
small cylinders from the mass (also called cores). Additionally, an ultrasound
biopsy provides real-time imaging, allowing the physician to visualize
the needle's path and ensure accurate targeting of the abnormal tissue.
MRI-guided breast biopsy
An MRI-guided biopsyuses the powerful magnetic field radio waves of an
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine to help locate a breast lump
or abnormality and guide a needle to remove a tissue sample for examination
under a microscope. This is especially helpful when the area of concern
doesn’t appear clearly on a mammogram or ultrasound but is visible
on an MRI. You’ll lie face down in an MRI scanner with your breast
gently positioned in a cushioned opening. The process is very precise
with minimal discomfort.
Ultrasound lymph node biopsy
An ultrasound lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove
a tiny piece of tissue from an abnormal lymph node (often from the neck,
armpit or groin) using a special ultrasound-guided needle guided into
the node. The procedure is carried out under local anesthetic. When other
tests cannot tell exactly what the abnormality is or what treatment, if
any, is necessary, the simplest way of finding out is by taking a tiny
piece of tissue to examine in the laboratory. The alternative is an open
operation to remove the node or mass, which is more invasive.
Questions and scheduling breast testing, breast biopsies, and other breast
procedures, call the Breast Care Center 504-503-6289.
