An important part of your personal plan for breast health should include:
Monthly breast self exam
Annual exam by your physician
Routine mammograms according to your risk for breast cancer and
medical guidelines
Generally, every woman should have a baseline mammogram between the ages
of 35 and 40, then a routine mammogram every 1 to 2 years after 40.
In addition to part of a routine of preventive care, breast imaging is
also used to diagnose breast cancer and to help evaluate the stage and
extent of the disease.
At the Aurora Women's Pavilion, you have access to:
Mammography, both digital and screen film
Ultrasonography
Breast MRI
Computer Aided Detection (CAD)
CAD is a tool used to assist the radiologist with reading film screens. This
new, exciting technology allows us to better help women assess their breast
health.
Breast biopsy
A biopsy is performed to evaluate the findings of breast images. For your
convenience, whenever possible, we try to schedule the biopsy the same day
as the imaging study.
Types of biopsies
While mammograms are helpful in detecting abnormal changes to breast tissue,
biopsies are necessary to determine whether a growth or abnormal tissue is
cancerous. There are several options for biopsies, but each option includes
removing a portion or the entire mass to be examined by a laboratory to
determine its make-up. Determining which type of biopsy is appropriate for
your personal situation depends on the size, location and characteristics of
the lump – along with whether or not you can feel the lump through a breast
self exam.
Options for biopsies include:
Open Excisional Biopsy -- Requiring only local anesthesia, you are
awake during this procedure. A small incision about an inch or 2 in size
is made near the lump, allowing the surgeon to remove part or all of the
lump if it is small enough.
If the lump cannot be felt externally, the process is a little more
complicated, involving a mammogram to identify the location of the lump
and an wire to help guide the surgeon to the location during surgery.
Fine Needle Aspiration -- Usually performed in the doctor's office,
this tissue sampling is done with a very fine needle, smaller than one
that is used to draw blood. Several insertions are made to remove enough
tissue to sample. When the lump cannot be felt, ultrasound may be used
to guide the physician to the mass.
This can the be fastest and easiest way to obtain biopsy tissue,
however, up to 10% of cancers can be missed with this type alone, due to
the small amount of tissue sample.
Core Needle Biopsy -- Using a larger needle than is used with fine
needle aspiration, more tissue can be obtained for a more accurate
diagnosis of breast cancer. Three to six needle insertions are used to
take tissue samples while you are awake with local anesthetic. An
ultrasound or stereotactic mammogram is used if the lump cannot be felt.
This is not a viable option for women with very small or hard lumps.
Mammatome™ Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy -- A small vacuum is used to
remove breast tissue. While you are administered a local anesthetic, stereotactic mammography is used to guide the vacuum to the abnormal
breast tissue.
An important part of your personal plan for breast health should include:
At the Aurora Women's Pavilion, you have access to: 