Breast Care
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Lutheran Health Network is dedicated to the screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer in women. Imaging services include 3D screening and diagnostic mammography, breast MRI, breast ultrasound, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy and stereotactic-guided breast biopsy.
Screening Mammograms
A screening mammogram is a special X-ray picture of the breast performed in women without symptoms to allow for the early diagnosis of breast cancer or other breast abnormalities. Following the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines for screening mammograms can help improve the chances that breast cancer can be found early and treated successfully.
For women of average risk, yearly mammograms begin at age 40. Women at higher risk should consult their primary care provider as early as age 25 for guidance. For ACR recommendations, visit acr.org.
Diagnostic Mammograms
Diagnostic mammograms are performed when you have a symptom such as a lump felt by you or your doctor, thickening in your breast, nipple discharge, change in breast size or shape, or localized pain in the breast. Diagnostic mammograms may also be performed if you have had an abnormal screening mammogram, a personal breast cancer history, or as a follow-up to an abnormal mammogram.
3D Mammography
According to the ACR, 3D mammography or breast tomosynthesis can:
- Provide clearer images and faster results than digital (2D) mammography and can also complement standard 2D mammography
- Enhance visibility, which can decrease the need for additional images and reduce “call backs” and anxiety over false alarms
- Be especially helpful in screening dense breasts, since the tissue can be viewed in paper-thin “slices”
In addition, breast tomosynthesis uses very low X-ray energy, and radiation exposure is within FDA guidelines.
Breast MRI
Along with mammography, breast MRI can be an effective diagnostic tool for breast cancer. MRI is a breast cancer screening often used for women who are at greater risk of developing breast cancer or who have dense breast tissue or implants — cases in which mammography is less effective at detecting abnormalities. This technique offers a more comfortable experience for women, and is used to:
- Assess the extent of breast cancer
- Determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation therapy during breast cancer treatment
- Further evaluate abnormalities that were found during a mammogram or clinical exam
- Provide additional detail for treatment planning
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate an abnormality found during a mammogram. Ultrasound allows doctors to see the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see using mammography or other breast imaging. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
When a lump or abnormal area is detected during screening, a biopsy can determine whether cells are cancerous. Advanced imaging technology — such as MRI, mammography or ultrasound — can be combined with minimally invasive techniques to obtain tissue samples in order to complete a diagnosis.
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