Center For Breast Health

St. Francis offers 3-D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis). For this, the breast is compressed once and a machine takes many low-dose x-rays as it moves over the breast. A computer then puts the images together into a 3-dimensional picture. 3-D mammography is the most effective breast cancer screening tool today. Diagnostic mammograms are also available which is performed when women are having symptoms such as pain in the breast, a new lump, skin changes, or nipple discharge.

Routine ultrasound is performed for women without symptoms but have been told they have dense breast tissue.

A breast ultrasound is used as a supplemental imaging tool, following a mammogram, to get additional information necessary for a complete diagnosis.  Ultrasound can help a radiologist determine whether the abnormality on the mammogram is cystic or solid.

A breast biopsy is recommended when a suspicious finding is identified on a mammogram or breast ultrasound.  A small needle is used to remove a few samples of the suspicious area in the breast.  The tissue is then sent to the lab for further testing by the pathologist. BSGI is another one of the more advanced tools aiding in the early diagnosis of breast disease and breast cancer. It is pain-free, effective and the next non-invasive step when mammography results are inconclusive.

An advanced imaging tool aiding in the early diagnosis of breast disease and breast cancer.  Often patients with elevated risk of developing breast cancer may have this in conjunction with their yearly mammogram.

A BSGI works by using a small amount of a radiotracer agent that is absorbed by the body’s cells. Screening with BSGI takes about 45-60 minutes, and unlike a mammogram, there is a small amount of compression.