Screening & Diagnosis
Screening
The earlier breast cancer is found, the greater the chance for a cure.
Breast cancer is easily treatable when detected early, which is why it's important to stay on top of your annual mammogram. A breast cancer screening mammogram uses imaging technology to detect signs of the disease early when there is a greater chance for a cure.
Screenings are recommended for all women:
- Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
- Women at high risk for breast cancer may benefit from an MRI and a mammogram every year, as recommended by their doctor.
- Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a regular health exam by a health professional, preferably every three years. Starting at age 40, women should have a clinical breast exam by a health professional every year.
- Starting in their 20s, women should conduct breast self-exams and report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
In addition to regular screening, you can help lower your risk by following healthy guidelines, such as:
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Limiting your intake of alcohol to no more than one drink per day
- Avoiding smoking
Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis is essential so our doctors can personalize your treatments to make them most effective.
Holy Cross Health offers the latest technologies to quickly and accurately detect and diagnose breast concerns, including lumps and other abnormalities. Specially trained radiologists and technologists perform the following advanced services:
Digital Mammography
An X-ray of the breast is recorded in a digital format and used to diagnose unusual breast changes, such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. If abnormalities are detected on a screening mammogram, a follow-up diagnostic mammogram may be recommended.
3-D Mammography
Breast tomosynthesis obtains a series of images that are reconstructed into thin 1-millimeter slices creating a 3-dimensional mammogram. 3-D mammography complements standard 2-D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system.
Ductogram
A contrast agent is injected into the breast duct to view the ducts on a mammogram image to diagnose abnormal nipple discharge.
Breast Ultrasound Exam
Sound waves are used to create an image of the breast to determine if a breast lump is caused by a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass, such as cancer.
Ultrasound and Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
A biopsy uses a hollow needle to remove some cells from a suspected breast tumor, allowing the cells to be examined under a microscope. Ultrasound-guided biopsy is performed on abnormal areas that are too small to be felt. In a stereotactic biopsy, special mammography equipment is used to guide the doctor to the location of the abnormal growth.
Breast Cyst Aspiration
A small needle is used to drain fluid from a breast cyst.
Breast MRI
Images of the breast are created using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. Breast MRI often is used in addition to mammography and breast ultrasound exams to aid the radiologist in looking for tumors when a diagnosis of breast cancer is suspected or has been made.
MRI-Guided Biopsy
A procedure that uses computer technology to guide a needle to an abnormality seen on MRI.