Roughly 1 in 8 women in the United States develop breast cancer in their lifetime.* As a patient, friend or family member, nearly everyone is affected by this disease in some way.
Why is early detection of breast cancer so important?
Regular breast cancer screenings are important because they can detect breast cancer years before symptoms develop. Early detection is key, because success rates are much higher when breast cancer is detected and treated during its early stages. A visit with your primary care physician is a good first step in breast health care because he or she can provide guidance on what screenings may be appropriate for your personal health.
What types of screenings are important?
There is a comprehensive range of imaging and biopsy services available at the Manatee Diagnostic Center including:
• 3D digital mammography (breast cancer detection)
• Siemens™ Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) system (breast cancer detection)
• Bone density assessment (for fracture risk due to osteoporosis)
• Breast biopsy (ultrasound, fine needle, stereotactic, MRI)
• Resources for breast cancer patients
How effective is digital mammography?
Mammograms are the most widely used imaging method for detecting breast cancer, often spotting issues before anything can be felt. Low-radiation digital mammograms are very effective, identifying upwards of 85% of all abnormalities in the breast. The American Cancer Society® strongly advises women who are age 40 and older to have a yearly mammogram. Individuals who are at higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of breast cancer or history of high-dose radiation exposure prior to the age of 30, may require screening earlier than 40. If you believe you are at a higher risk, make sure to talk to your primary care physician about when to begin screenings.
The Manatee Diagnostic Center also offers 3D mammography, which is also called tomosynthesis digital mammography. 3D mammography is different from standard mammography because it takes multiple images of the breast at various levels and provides more detail. This can help make it easier to identify abnormalities and is particularly useful for evaluating dense breast tissue. It can also reduce the number of callbacks for repeat testing.
What does having dense breasts mean and what screening is needed for this?
Dense breasts have a higher proportion of glandular and connective tissues as compared to fatty tissue. Women who have been told they have dense breasts should be aware that it can make it difficult for screening mammography to detect tumors. What’s more, women who have dense breasts are also at increased risk for breast cancer.
Additional imaging tests, including ultrasound and MRI, may be needed for a complete evaluation.
What is breast ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a noninvasive, non-radiation examination that uses sound waves to detect disease and locate possible abnormalities in breast tissue. It is designed to provide doctors with precise images for efficient diagnosis of breast problems, and can be effective in distinguishing certain abnormalities in the breast such as lumps, solid masses and cysts. The systems enable the physician to perform high-resolution panoramic imaging or 3D scanning in real time.
The Manatee Diagnostic Center offers the Siemens™ Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) for breast cancer screening. This system is used in addition to mammography for asymptomatic women with dense breast tissue and no prior interventions. ABUS can help improve detection of small cancers in dense breast tissue that cannot be seen on a mammogram alone.
When would a breast biopsy be necessary?
Breast biopsies are used to check suspicious or unusual areas in breast tissue for cancerous cells. The newest procedure, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, uses a minimally invasive system in which the doctor uses mammography (stereotactic-guided biopsy) or ultrasound to locate the suspicious area. He or she then makes a tiny incision in the breast and uses a small probe with a vacuum to gently collect tissue into the probe’s hollow chamber.
Mammograms can be scheduled at Manatee Diagnostic Center’s Pointe West or Parrish location. To make an appointment, call 941-747-3034 or visit manateediagnostic.com.
Manatee Diagnostic Center
941-747-3034
manateediagnostic.com
Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
*American Cancer Society (ACS)