Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostic Technologies

There are a variety of technologies and tools available to screen for, diagnose, and stage breast cancer and other breast health issues. Talk with your healthcare providers to determine which one is right for you.

Locations

Sarasota Memorial offers mammography and advanced breast imaging services throughout Sarasota County. For more info or to schedule a breast cancer screening or diagnostic test, please call 941-917-7322.

Mammography

Screening mammogram vs. diagnostic mammogram — Routine screening mammograms are designed to catch breast cancer early; these are recommended for women who do not have any breast cancer symptoms or concerns. Diagnostic mammograms are used to investigate breast tissue when symptoms, suspicious breast changes or abnormal screening results indicate the need for follow up evaluation; these often employ additional techniques to focus on a specific area of concern.

3D Mammogram — Three-dimensional mammogram technology provides more detail than digital 2D mammography, reducing the likelihood further investigative imaging will be required. The imaging machine moves around the breast in an arc, taking multiple X-rays that a computer forms into a 3D image. This allows radiologists to assess several layers of breast tissue at a time and to navigate around tissue that might hide cancer. For women who are getting a baseline screening, have dense breast tissue or a history of breast cancer, 3D is strongly recommended over 2D mammography. In fact, 3D mammography is now the standard at Sarasota Memorial; however, digital 2D mammography is available for patients who prefer it over 3D.

3D Mammogram with SmartCurve — The Hologic SmartCurve mammography system features a curved compression surface that mirrors the shape of a woman’s breast, rather than the conventional flat paddles of other mammogram machines. The design reduces pinching and offers a more comfortable experience, without compromising image quality, even with dense breasts. SmartCurve is recommended for women who avoid regular mammograms due to fear of pain; however, not all breast types qualify for SmartCurve, so be sure to discuss the option with your imaging team.

Locations — Digital 2D and 3D mammography, Breast Ultrasound and MRI are available at Sarasota Memorial’s Breast Health Center (main campus), University Parkway Health Care Center, Clark Road Health Care Center, Blackburn Point Health Care Center, Heritage Harbour Health Care Center and Venice Health Care Center. The Heritage Harbour location also offers 2D and 3D mammography with SmartCurveTechnology.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is often the preferred follow-up to a mammogram for women with dense breasts who are at lower risk for developing breast cancer. Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images that help diagnose breast abnormalities, such as a benign fluid filled cyst or a solid lump. It can be used to supplement mammography, but is not typically used as a screening tool or in place of mammography. It also can give false positive readings, so it’s important to discuss this option with your care team.

Breast MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal breast cancers obscured on both mammography and ultrasound screening. MRI uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of breast tissue. It does not use radiation, but usually requires the use of a contrast dye to help create clearer images and outline abnormalities. Often recommended for women who have had breast cancer, have a family history of breast cancer or those who would benefit from a higher sensitivity, lower radiation screening, breast MRI can also help detect breast cancer in women with breast implants and those with dense breasts.

Breast Biopsy

When diagnostic imaging indicates a suspicious lump or mass, women may be asked to have a breast biopsy to remove tissue samples for further analysis. Keep in mind that most people who undergo a breast biopsy learn they do not have breast cancer. Your doctor will recommend the type of biopsy that is right for you, such as:

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy – This is a quick method to distinguish between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass when a suspicious lump or mass is found.

Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy – Using ultrasound guidance, a doctor locates a suspicious mass and uses a probe to remove tissue samples for analysis.

Stereotactic biopsy – Using X-ray guidance (mammography) to locate a suspicious mass, a radiologist or surgeon inserts a probe into the suspicious area to remove samples for testing.

MRI-guided biopsy – Guided by MRI, a radiologist uses a special needle to remove samples of breast tissue. This non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure is recommended for high-risk patients, including women with thin breasts, implants, lesions near the medial wall or multiple lesions.

Biopsy with Hologic Affirm Breast Biopsy System – The X-ray guided Hologic Affirm upright breast biopsy system provides patients an alternative to the more standard prone-position biopsy systems; this especially benefits patients who cannot comfortably lie prone. The innovative Affirm system is used in conjunction with the Hologic 3D mammography system to quickly perform 2D or 3D breast biopsies using the same imaging equipment as for mammograms. This streamlined process delivers a faster biopsy and better access to challenging lesions.

Surgical biopsy – A portion of the breast mass is removed for examination (excisional biopsy) or the entire breast mass may be removed (lumpectomy). This is usually done in the operating room with general anesthesia.

Preparing for a breast biopsy? Click here for guidance.

Ductography

Ductography, or galactography, uses dye and mammography to examine milk ducts and evaluate nipple discharge. During the procedure, a small amount of liquid dye is injected through a tiny tube placed in the opening of the duct, and a mammogram is performed. This makes the duct visible on the mammogram so that any abnormality in the duct is easily detected.

Lymphoscintigraphy

Lymphoscintigraphy, or sentinel lymph node mapping, is an imaging test used to check the lymph system for the spread of cancer, and to locate and biopsy the sentinel lymph node. The sentinel node is the first node that filters fluid from the breast and typically the first to be affected by the spread of breast cancer. This cancer-staging test helps doctors determine the best course of treatment.