When detected early, the great majority of breast cancers are curable. In fact, 96 percent of women treated for early stage breast cancer are still free of disease five years after diagnosis. This makes routine breast imaging an important part of a woman’s health care, so that problems can be detected when they are most treatable.
Imaging studies give your personal health provider important information about changes that may be occurring in your breast tissue. City of Hope offers women the latest in digital mammography technologies.
- Screening mammograms are provided at City of Hope for women who are not experiencing problems or concerns. Regular mammography screenings can help ensure breast cancers are detected early, when they can be treated and cured most effectively. The American Cancer Society recommends that women have screening mammograms every year, beginning at age 40.
- Diagnostic mammograms are appropriate for women who have a current symptom or a history of previous breast cancer. Diagnostic mammography is similar to a screening mammogram. However, the images are reviewed immediately by a radiologist to determine whether additional views and/or a diagnostic ultrasound are needed.
Advanced Diagnostics
In addition to screening and diagnostic mammography, we provide a number of more advanced diagnostic tests for determining the nature of breast tissue abnormalities including:
- This is a very sensitive technique for 3-D evaluation of the breast tissue using a magnetic field and an intravenous injection rather than X-rays. It is recommended for those considered to be at very high risk for developing breast cancer.
- Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the breast tissue. This allows radiologists to distinguish fluid-filled cysts from solid masses and to determine whether solid breast masses are benign or suspicious. Click here to download our "Diagnostic Ultrasound” brochure.
- This procedure is used to sample abnormal tissue identified on a mammogram and often eliminates the need for a more invasive surgical biopsy. The accuracy of stereotactic biopsy is as reliable as open surgical biopsy, but is less invasive and expensive and has a much quicker recovery time. Click here to download our “Stereotactic Biopsy” brochure.
- A radioactive dye is used to identify the central node in the axillary (underarm) area of the affected side to determine the extent of any early spread of the disease.
- Samples abnormal tissue with the use of ultrasound. Often eliminates the need for a more invasive surgical biopsy.
- Our multispecialty team meets to review all second opinion cases. The team is composed of a medical oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, pathologist, radiation oncologist and plastic surgeon (as necessary). This collaborative team approach ensures patients receive the best possible diagnosis and treatment.
