The Breast Clinic

Services Offered at The Breast Clinic

Mammography (Screening and Diagnostic)

• Mammography involves taking specialized X-rays of the breast in order to detect cancer. A mammogram is the best method of screening for breast cancer. Mammograms may be performed on women with no reported problems - in this case they are used as a screening tool. In other cases, your physician may recommend that you get a mammogram if you've reported lumps, masses, discharge or dimpling of the skin.  Learn more.

Biopsies

The types of biopsies listed below are alternatives to a more invasive, surgical biopsy.  Before the procedure begins, a local anesthetic is used on the area of concern.  There is only mild discomfort and generally no scarring of the breasts.  

• Ultrasound Guided Breast Core Biopsy
  An ultrasound scan detects breast changes by sending high-frequency sound waves into the breast.  The echo patterns from the sound waves are converted into an image of the breast’s interior.   The radiologist will insert the biopsy needle and remove samples of tissue, using the ultrasound for guidance.
• Stereotactically Guided Breast Core Biopsy
  The breast is gently compressed for this procedure.  The stereotactically guided breast biopsy uses computer technology that enables our radiologists to locate and obtain a sample of the precise center of the area in question.  The procedure uses X-rays and a special biopsy needle.
• MRI Guided Breast Core Biopsy
  The breast is gently compressed for this procedure.  Biopsies performed with MRI use a strong magnet and radio waves to guide the procedure.  The procedure takes a little more time than the other biopsies because of the way the images are acquired.  The actual time it takes to sample the tissue is the same.  The radiologist will insert the biopsy needle using precise computer software and remove samples of tissue.

Needle Localizations

• When abnormalities are identified on mammography or ultrasound, and surgical removal is recommended, a needle with a fine wire is guided into the abnormal area.  The needle is removed and the wire left in place.  This marks the lesion so that it can be surgically removed without removing a large amount of normal tissue. The area of concern is anesthetized before the procedure, with very little discomfort involved.