Breast Cancer diagnosis and prevention continues to be one of the most talked about and important topics in medicine. At The Imaging Center, we understand the importance of early breast cancer detection. That is why we offer the highest quality care in the area and work with patients who have special needs or circumstances.


Breast Cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. One in eight women or 12.6% of all women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. 96% of women who find and treat breast cancer early, will be cancer-free after 5 years.

Below you can find answers to some Frequently Asked Questions regarding Breast Cancer Detection.


 

What is the best method for detecting breast cancer?

Getting a high-quality screening mammogram and having a clinical breast exam on a regular basis are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early.


 

Will my insurance pay for this?

Nearly all insurance plans cover annual screening mammograms as well as necessary follow-up testing. If you do not have insurance The Imaging Center will likely be less expensive than the hospital and will work with you to provide a flexible payment plan in order to ensure that you are afforded this life-saving exam.


 

What is Digital Mammography?

A digital mammogram relies on a breast X-ray, just as a film mammogram does, but instead of being recorded on film, it’s electronic: it can be magnified, made darker or lighter, and otherwise tweaked, so the radiologist reading it can get the very best view. It’s also much easier to store, retrieve, and send from place to place.




 

The above video is meant for informational purposes only. It was not produced by The Imaging Center. Actual experiences at The Imaging Center may vary.

 

What is CAD?

Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) is software that scans a digital mammogram. It highlights potential problem areas that your radiologist might not have been able to see. Its main benefit is its accuracy: it’s been found to detect approximately 20% more cancers than were detected by a radiologist’s reading alone. CAD is applied to every mammogram performed at The Imaging Center

 

How are screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms different?

Diagnostic mammograms are done as a follow-up procedure and involve more x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from many angles. Suspicious areas are magnified to assist in the diagnosis.


 

Why would I need follow-up testing?

All abnormal mammograms should be followed up with additional testing to determine if cancer is present. However, please remember that ‘abnormal’ does not mean cancer. Over 80% of breast lumps are not cancerous, but benign masses.

 

What are my options for follow-up testing?

Depending on the type of abnormality found in a screening mammogram, your doctor may order the following procedures at The Imaging Center:

 

Diagnostic Mammogram

Spot Compressions

Spot views apply compression to a smaller area of tissue using a small compression plate. This often done to evaluate calcifications.

 

Ultrasound of the Breast

Ultrasound can help show additional features of the abnormal area. This procedure is often done to evaluate cysts and dense tissue.

 

Breast MRI

A non-invasive alternative to surgery or biopsy. This cutting-edge procedure (pictured on panel 1) is used to identify lesions, examine suspicious areas of dense tissue, evaluate implants, evaluate the extent of cancer present, and determine a proper course of treatment. This test may also be appropriate if you are known to have the BRCA1/BRCA2gene.



 

The above video is meant for informational purposes only. It was not produced by The Imaging Center. Actual experiences at The Imaging Center may vary.

 

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsies

A less invasive alternative to surgery, ultrasound imaging is used to guide the radiologists instruments to the abnormal growth.



 

Finding Out the Results

Our radiologists will interpret your exam promptly and send a formal report to your physician within 24 hours. Your physician will correlate your exam results with your clinical history to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
 

The Imaging Center’s radiologists believe it is in your best interest to provide exam results directly to your personal physician; he/she has the most complete information about your health and can discuss any necessary treatment. options.