Breast Health

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, and the single most effective method of early breast cancer detection. It can help detect breast cancer in its earliest stages — before physical symptoms develop — by locating tumors that are too small or too deep to be found by breast examination.

Mammograms help save lives by detecting cancer early. Mammograms can also help improve the chances of breast conservation and prevent the need for extensive treatment of advanced cancers.

3D mammography is the latest technology that helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.

We’re proud to now offer Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams, the latest in breast cancer screening technology, featuring the SmartCurve® breast stabilization system—designed to reduce discomfort and improve image clarity.

3D Mammography™
Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, 3D Mammography™ exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers while decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing. This can mean an earlier diagnosis and a greater variety of treatment options available to the patient.

The breast is a three-dimensional object composed of different structures located at different heights within the breast. These structures can overlap and cause confusion when viewed as a flat two-dimensional image. This confusion of overlapping of tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. Using breast tomosynthesis technology, the Genius™ 3D Mammography™ system creates a 3-dimensional image of the breast structure, which enables radiologists to more clearly see through overlapping tissue to detect cancers, often at an earlier stage.

SmartCurve® Comfort
A curved compression surface that mirrors the natural shape of the breast, distributing pressure more evenly and reducing pinching. In clinical studies, 93% of women reported improved comfort compared to traditional compression.

A breast ultrasound may be used to obtain views of suspicious breast tissue.

For people with dense breasts, whole breast ultrasound is a supplementary ultrasound examination of both breasts that can find small cancers that mammography may miss.

MRI uses a powerful magnet linked to a computer that produces detailed, cross-sectional pictures of tissue inside the breast. MRI is useful for those whose dense breast tissue makes it more difficult to detect abnormalities with a mammogram.

If your breast imaging test reveals an abnormality, your provider may recommend a breast biopsy. A breast biopsy is a procedure performed by a radiologist or surgeon to sample abnormal breast tissue for laboratory analysis. It is the only way to determine if an abnormality is benign or cancerous. Most breast biopsies in the U.S. are not cancerous.

There are several different kinds of breast biopsies. The type your doctor recommends depends on the size, location and abnormality detected. After your biopsy, we’ll contact you to review your results. If the biopsy results are positive, you’ll receive more detailed next steps. (MyChart may show pathology results earlier, before a clinician has a chance to review them with you).

Lakewood Health System offers an on-staff Breast Health Navigator, available as a resource for a variety of breast health information, tools and support. Our Breast Health Navigator offers the following support:

• A resource to help you navigate through your personal healthcare experience.
• A regional resource for other organizations and healthcare facilities to work together to proactively help women who deal with breast cancer to navigate the healthcare system, no matter where they may live or receive care.
• To deliver educational material and outreach to the female populations we serve.
• To help family caregivers take care of their loved ones and themselves by providing them with the resources to do so.

Lakewood Health System offers an on-staff Breast Health Navigator, available as a resource for a variety of breast health information, tools and support. Our Breast Health Navigator offers the following support:

• A resource to help you navigate through your personal healthcare experience.
• A regional resource for other organizations and healthcare facilities to work together to proactively help women who deal with breast cancer to navigate the healthcare system, no matter where they may live or receive care.
• To deliver educational material and outreach to the female populations we serve.
• To help family caregivers take care of their loved ones and themselves by providing them with the resources to do so.

Lakewood Health System has three certified breast prosthetic fitters available to assist patients who have gone through a mastectomy. Our fitters have completed the necessary training to be able to provide patients with an assessment, treatment plan, implementation, and follow-up for those using external breast prostheses, bras, and other post-mastectomy services.

Breast prosthetic products are also available at Lakewood’s Medical Marketplace. Fitting services are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment. To learn more or make an appointment, call 218-894-8567.