Fighting Breast Cancer
The threat of breast cancer is a very real concern for all women. One out of eight women will be diagnosed with this deadly disease at some point in their life. The Women's Center is proud of our clinical excellence under the direction of a female, Board-certified, Fellowship-trained Women's Imaging Radiologist supported by highly-trained clinical technologists.
We have comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options beginning with breast self-exam demonstrations. Our skilled staff shows women exactly how to detect suspicious masses in the breast, using true-to-life mannequins.
For a more thorough breast assessment, the Women's Center offers low-cost mammography screenings using state-of-the-art technology. After an appointment is set, a nurse coordinator calls or sends out information packets to each patient to inform them of pre-testing procedures. Patients are encouraged to call their nurse coordinator with any questions.
Imaging Services
The Women's Center prides itself on our exceptional imaging services, which includes digital mammography - the latest diagnostic technology available to detect breast cancer. This technology converts X-rays into digital images, which allows radiologists to zoom-in on specific areas of interest.
Digital mammography surpasses conventional film-based systems because it greatly decreases the need for retakes, thus reducing exam time and patients' exposure to X-rays. We also offer pelvic sonograms and obstetric/pelvic ultrasounds, and recently introduced 4D ultrasounds for breast imaging and interventional urology.
The Women's Center has also incorporated a Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) that enables physicians to access digital images from anywhere. Now you can receive a second opinion without visiting additional physicians.
Accurate Diagnoses
If a suspicious breast mass is detected the next step is one of three biopsy procedures:
- Ultrasound-guided biopsy
- MR-guided breast biopsy that takes one hour and uses only a topical anesthetic
Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (a.k.a. stereotactic core biopsy) is capable of sampling with one small incision
Walking Patients Step-by-Step Through Treatment
The Women's Center offers compassionate care and support to breast cancer patients through our Diagnosis to Recovery and Navigator programs. While Diagnosis to Recovery is specific to breast cancer patients, the Navigator program serves patients diagnosed with any form of cancer.
Both programs are valued for personally connecting patients with their own specialized coordinator, who meets with them one-on-one to discuss the management and recovery phases of their disease. The coordinator also provides patients with education and take-home videos to ensure they are knowledgeable about their treatment plan, and even connects them with additional community support systems, if desired.
