NMMC Breast Care Center
Breast Health Issues
| Breast
Cysts |
Dense
Breast |
Breast
Pain |
Microcalcifications |
Fibroadenoma |
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NMMC's Breast Care Center
recently joined the top 10 percent of the
nation's facilities using
digital mammography,
one of the most advanced screening tools for detecting
breast cancer. A nationwide trial by the American College of Radiology found digital mammography superior, particularly in young patients and those with dense breasts. Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly into NMMC's computerized Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Radiologists can enhance, magnify or manipulate these digital images, making it easier to detect abnormalities. |
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advantage is that CAD, the computer assisted detection
feature, cues the radiologist to areas on the mammogram
that look irregular, and he or she can then compare them
to the patient's previous mammograms to see if it's
something new. Another plus is that the patient's doctors have immediate access to these digitized images as part of the patient's electronic medical record. |
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Screening mammograms are an x-ray of the breast used to
detect breast cancer. Usually, the test
detects cancer long before it can be found
through physician examination or other
methods of diagnosis. Women who are not
having any problems with their breasts are
candidates
for screening mammograms. Results of screening mammograms are mailed to the patient and forwarded to her designated physician. A woman may refer herself to this service by calling (662) 377-4158 or 1-800-THE DESK to schedule an appointment. |
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Diagnostic
mammograms include special views of the breast
and are used in evaluating problem cases. Diagnostic
mammograms are used to evaluate women with a breast
problem or symptom, or a woman with an abnormal finding
on a screening mammogram. A physician recommends
diagnostic mammograms and a member of the physician's
staff schedules the test. Each woman who has a
diagnostic mammogram receives a report of her test
before leaving the Breast Care Center.
Breast MRI is an advanced tool using sophisticated computers
and 3-D techniques that looks deep into the breast
to discover abnormalities that might not be visible
in other exams. Breast MRI is a completely different
way of looking at the breast. A mammogram is
typically used as a first test for breast
abnormalities. If a mammogram detects a problem,
specialized mammography and/or breast ultrasound may
be used. If your doctor is still concerned, a breast
MRI may be considered.
Breast ultrasound
is used in addition to diagnostic mammograms. It uses
high frequency, silent sound waves to create an image of
the breast. This type of imaging procedure is painless
and is used to determine whether a lump is solid or
fluid-filled. |
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Ultrasound guided
needle core biopsy is a non-surgical technique
performed by our radiologists to remove small tissue
fragments from a suspicious area in the breast. The
tissue is sent to the pathology lab and examined for
abnormalities. This simple procedure is done using
local anesthesia (the patient is not put to sleep), and
the patient may resume normal activities.
Ultrasound guided cyst aspiration is a non-surgical technique performed by our radiologists to remove fluid from a cyst in the breast. Removing the fluid may reduce pressure and pain. |
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| The cyst fluid may be sent to the
pathology lab and examined for abnormalities. This
simple procedure is done using local anesthesia (the
patient is not put to sleep), and the patient may resume
normal activities.
Our Staff |
Our Credentials |
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| Breast Cancer Risk Every woman is at risk for breast cancer, and her risk increases with age. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Risk is higher for women with a personal history of having cancer and women who have had one or more close relatives with the disease. However, 80 percent of the women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease. What You Can Do: Ages 20-39 |
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Perform a breast self-examination (BSE) every month | |
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Have a clinical breast examination by a doctor or nurse practitioner every three years |
| Age 40+ |
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Perform a breast self-examination (BSE) every month | |
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Have a clinical breast examination by a doctor or nurse practitioner annually | |
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Get a mammogram annually | |
| All Ages |
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By examining your breasts regularly, you and your doctor can be aware of changes in your breasts that are not normal. If you should notice a change in your breast, call your doctor immediately. | |
| Before Your Mammogram | ||
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If you have sensitive breasts, try having your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be least tender. Try to avoid the week right before your period. This will help to lessen discomfort. | |
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Don't wear deodorant, powder or cream under your arms or on your breasts -- it may interfere with the quality of the mammogram. | |
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Bring a list of dates and locations of any previous mammograms, biopsies or other breast treatments. | |
For more information
or to schedule an appointment for a mammogram,
call the NMMC Breast Care Center at (662) 377-4158 or
1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).