Breast health is important for all women, and Independence Health System
is here to support and guide you every step of the way.
We offer a variety of services with personal and professional care, combined
with advanced technology, to provide the highest quality experience for
every patient. Whether it involves a simple screening mammogram, diagnostic
procedure, or treatment upon a diagnosis, our trained radiologists, surgeons,
nurses, nurse navigators, and staff at the Breast Health Center are dedicated
to providing expert care to all of our patients.
To schedule your mammogram in the Butler/Clarion Area, call
833-602-2273.
The SmartCurve™ system provides a curved compression surface that
offers a more comfortable patient experience without compromising image
quality, exam time, dose, or workflow. Clinically proven to deliver a
more comfortable mammogram, the SmartCurve system improves comfort in
93% of patients who reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard
compression. Additionally, 95% of patients surveyed would recommend facilities
that use a SmartCurve system. The curved design of the compression device
mirrors the shape of a woman’s breast to reduce pinching and applies
uniform compression over the entire breast for added comfort. When scheduling
your mammogram, ask if your location has the Smart Curve system.
Our mammography screening sites are certified as “Breast Imaging
Centers of Excellence,” as a result of exceeding the highest quality
and safety standards set by American College of Radiology.
Preventative Care
Our screening centers provide a range of services, including nearly 40,000
mammograms performed annually to detect early signs of breast cancer.
At the age of 40, women with no known breast problems should get a 3D
screening mammogram to perform a general check of the breast tissue. Along
with the screening, we conduct the
Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment to provide a comprehensive look at the individual’s risk of developing
breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. The results of this risk
assessment will be shared with your physician and can help determine whether
additional testing or genetic counseling is needed. With life expectancy
increasing and individual health status improving, the guidelines have
also changed to recommend lifelong annual mammography screening. If any
abnormalities are detected in the screening mammogram, a patient may be
called back for a diagnostic mammogram or other exploratory procedures.
Walk-in Wednesday
Walk-in Wednesday is the easiest way to get a mammogram with no appointment
or doctor’s order required! For the most up-to-date information
on locations and times, visit:
Walk-In Wednesday.
Before Scheduling Your Mammogram
The Society of Breast Imaging has recently published considerations for
patients and providers regarding the scheduling of screening mammography.
It has been found that the COVID vaccination may cause reactive axillary
adenopathy or enlarged lymph nodes.
When possible, and when it does not unduly delay care, it is recommended
that patients schedule annual screening mammography prior to the first
dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or 4-6 weeks following the second dose
of a COVID-19 vaccination.
Additional Breast Diagnostic Services
While screening mammograms serve as the first line of detection, Independence
Health System provides a host of other diagnostic testing.
3D mammography (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis)
3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis) is similar to a standard mammogram in that
it uses X-ray technology and applies the same amount of pressure to the
breast. But rather than providing two views—from top to bottom and
side to side—the 3-D approach captures multiple views from a variety
of angles in seconds. These multiple images of breast tissue slices give
doctors a clearer image of breast masses, making it easier to detect breast cancer.
ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound)
ABUS breast cancer screening is specifically developed to help doctors
find cancers hidden in dense breast tissue, which may be missed by mammography.
If you have dense breast tissue, like 40% of women in the U.S., the addition
of ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound) screening can increase the detection
of cancers.
Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Breast MRI uses radio waves and strong magnets to make detailed pictures
of the inside of the breast. Breast MRI is used in breast cancer screening
for women at higher than average risk. It can also be used in breast cancer
diagnosis and staging.
Breast Ultrasound
The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images
of the inside of the breast. A breast ultrasound may be performed if a
suspicious lump is discovered in your breast. An ultrasound helps your
doctor determine whether the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor.
It also allows for the determination of the location and size of the lump.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic breast biopsies use mammographic X-rays to locate and target
the area of concern and to help guide the biopsy needle to a precise location.
This technique helps ensure that the area that is biopsied is the exact
area where abnormality was seen on the mammogram. It is called stereotactic
because it utilizes two images taken from slightly different angles of
the same location. After the sample is collected it is sent to pathology
to determine if cancer cells are present.
Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsies
Ultrasound imaging is used to help guide the radiologist’s instruments
to the site of abnormal growth. Small samples of tissue are removed from
the breast using a hollow needle and sent to pathology to determine if
cancer cells are present.
MRI-Guided Breast Biopsies
MRI guided breast biopsies use MRI technology to locate and target the
area of concern to remove small samples of tissue from the breast that
are sent to pathology to determine if cancer cells are present.
Ductography (Galactography)
This test uses an injection of contrast material to create pictures of
the inside of the breast’s milk ducts.
Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
Every woman carries some risk of developing breast cancer during her life.
It is known that inherited mutations in certain genes raise the risk of
a woman developing breast cancer, and IHS can help to identify this genetic
risk in the BRCA genes.
You can learn more through a simple oral rinse DNA study, available during
consultation with our breast surgeons. The test assesses overall breast
cancer risk in women even if they have no family history. This information
can be useful for women trying to decide when to begin and how often to
go for a screening mammogram.
The advantage of knowing you’re at high risk for developing breast
cancer is that it opens the door to options for disease prevention and
early treatment intervention.
Any woman concerned about her breast cancer risk should follow up with
her primary care physician or OB/GYN to discuss genetic testing options.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Being diagnosed with a breast problem can be overwhelming enough without
the added stress of making your way through the healthcare decision-making
process. We understand that stress and are here to help. Our Nurse Navigators
are experienced nurses who are trained to support you throughout your
treatment.
Along with offering professional guidance and knowledge, the Nurse Navigator
is your designated professional guide who acts as your healthcare advocate.
The navigator is not only a nurse, but a personal support system and point
of contact for your care.
They provide services including:
Communication with physicians and various community resources
Referral coordination for additional appointments and procedures
Emotional support, providing information and education to patients and
their family
Commitment to Improving the Experience
Should you need surgery, IHS has worked to make the day of breast surgery
easier, more comfortable, and safer for our patients. Magnetic seed localization
is an improved alternative to the challenging wire localization method
previously used to identify breast tumors. Prior to the magnetic seeds,
patients had to report to radiology to have a wire inserted the day of
surgery to help the surgeon identify small lesions or tumors. Now, patients
can have a small, radiation-free seed placed into the tumor days ahead
of time, making the day of surgery much less stressful. Magnetic seeds
also provide an alternative to radioactive seed localization.
After Surgery
Our specialists at IHS recognize that surgical procedures for breast cancer
place stress on the body and can lead to problems with the lymph nodes.
Our experienced lymphedema specialists can assist with these nodes and
swelling in an outpatient rehabilitative setting by providing techniques
to relieve post-surgery swelling.
