Screening/Diagnostics
Screening/Diagnostics
A 3D mammography™ exam, known as digital breast tomosynthesis, takes multiple images of each breast from many angles. Unlike a 2D exam, 3D mammography™ allows the doctor to examine your breast tissue one layer at a time. Imagine a book. When you look at the cover, you can’t see all of the pages. But page through the book and you’ll see everything between the covers. 3D mammography™ exams show the radiologist all of the pages in the book.
After years of studies and FDA approval, 3D technology has earned its place as an indispensable tool for detecting the first signs of breast cancer. 3D mammography is more accurate than standard 2D digital mammograms. Physicians can detect smaller tumors at the earliest stages of breast cancer when it’s most treatable. Some studies report an average of 40% increase in detection of invasive breast cancer and show up to 40% reduction in callbacks compared to 2D alone. This leads to peace of mind with less false alarms. 3D Mammography has also been proven to be beneficial to women who have dense breast tissue.
Screening mammograms are performed annually for women who do not have any symptoms. We encourage women to ‘know’ their breasts by completing monthly breast self examinations. Any changes in the breast need to be reported to your doctor immediately.
Click here to schedule your annual 3D mammogram, or call 281.484.4708.
Diagnostic examinations are required when an abnormality is found on a screening mammogram or a physical issue is detected, such as a breast lump, or change in the breast or skin, or nipple discharge. Diagnostic examinations can only be scheduled with an order from you physician.
With early detection, breast cancer survival rate is 98%.
The Rose offers the following screening and diagnostic services:
Digital Mammography
Advanced digital mammography is offered for both screening and diagnostic mammograms. Computer Aided Detection (CAD) is a standard service with all mammograms and M-Vu® CAD is an advanced computer-aided detection system that assists radiologists by automatically identifying areas of a mammogram that are consistent with breast cancer. This system is especially valuable when imaging dense breast tissue.
Ultrasound
High-resolution, breast-specific ultrasound systems are the only type of ultrasound equipment utilized by The Rose. The precise imaging that is needed to perform complex breast diagnostic ultrasound studies requires advanced technology designed for the breast tissue.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if a breast change is benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Biopsies performed utilizing ultrasound imaging systems include:
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA)
Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy is performed under topical (local) anesthetic and requires the use of a needle and syringe to drain a cyst or to obtain a sample of cells that are then examined by a Pathologist. A FNA does not require stitches and is performed routinely at The Rose.
Core Needle Biopsy
Ultrasound guided Core Needle Biopsies are minimally invasive procedures. For this procedure, the physician uses breast ultrasound to view the area that needs biopsied and a hollow needle to remove a small amount of tissue. After numbing the breast with local (topical) anesthesia, a biopsy needle is inserted into the suspicious area. Patients report experiencing a slight pressure during core needle biopsy but seldom report any significant pain. Typically, the doctor will place a small marker (also called a clip) into the biopsied area. The clip marks the location for future imaging and procedures. This marker is very small and will not be felt it once it is placed in the breast. The tiny incision is closed with a small adhesive bandage. The core sample(s) is sent to a pathologist for evaluation. Core Needle Biopsies are routinely performed at The Rose.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic Biopsies are performed utilizing digital mammography and 3D imaging. A Stereotactic Biopsy is performed using a topical (local) anesthetic. A small incision is made, and a specially designed biopsy needle is inserted. A vacuum devise assists the removal of a small core of tissue sample. Slight pressure may be felt during this time. Typically, the doctor will place a small marker (also called a clip) into the biopsied area. The clip marks the location for future imaging and procedures. This marker is very small and will not be felt it once it is placed in the breast. The single incision is closed with a small adhesive bandage. The core sample(s) is sent to a pathologist for evaluation. Stereotactic Breast Biopsies are routinely performed and available only at The Rose’s Southeast location.
You are important! Any medical procedure can be stressful and while patients will usually be able to resume normal activities on the same day as the biopsy, at The Rose we encourage women to allow time for ‘themselves’ after having a FNA, Core Biopsy, or Stereotactic Biopsy.
The Rose physicians are also available for Consults and Second Opinions.
