Breast Health Diagnostics & Testing

How Breast Health Issues Are Screened and Diagnosed

• Breast MRI – An MRI is a test that will produce a detailed image of the breast using 3-D imaging.
• Breast ultrasound – If a physical exam or mammogram reveals a potential lump in your breast, an ultrasound may be used to evaluate if the lump is solid (potentially cancerous) or filled with fluid (potentially a cyst). Ultrasounds may also be used during a biopsy to help guide your doctor to the lump during the procedure. There is also an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy available. This uses sound waves to locate a lump or abnormality and then remove a tissue sample for testing.
• Computer-aided detection system for mammograms – This system helps detect breast cancer that may be more difficult to find during its early stages.
• Mammography – A mammogram is a test to identify, diagnose and locate tumors in the breast that could be cancerous. This is typically done by using 2D or 3D images that allow the provider to see different parts of the tissue more clearly, or a physical exam.
• 3D mammography – Utilizes tomosynthesis, an advanced type of mammogram, that can help identify breast cancer in its early stages. This is the most advanced screening tool for early detection of breast cancer.

• Stereotactic breast biopsy – This test uses a mammogram to precisely identify and take a biopsy of the part of the breast that appears abnormal or may have a lump.