The Breast Care Center offers digital mammography, ultrasound, minimally invasive breast biopsies, bone densitometry, as well as a private waiting and education area in one department especially designed for the comfort and privacy of women.

Digital Mammography
Because our primary goal has always been to deliver the highest quality care to our patients, we offer Digital Mammography.

ImageChecker
Midwest Regional Breast Care Center is proud to be the first metro area hospital to offer ImageChecker, the first FDA approved Computer Aided Detection (CAD) system for screening mammography. This technology offers greatly improved diagnostic capabilities for radiologists working to find abnormalities within the breasts. For every 100,000 cancers currently detected by screening mammography, an additional 20,500 breast cancers could be detected by utilizing the ImageChecker.

What is Mammography?
A mammogram is a low level x-ray of the breasts. To date this is considered the best method to detect lesions. It can detect very small cancers or other changes within the breast that might otherwise go unnoticed. This makes mammography particularly valuable as a screening tool in detecting breast cancer at an early stage. Midwest Regional Breast Care Center offers state-of-the-art technology, which allows for more detailed mammograms to be produced with a low dose of radiation.

Baseline Screening
A baseline screening mammogram is recommended at age 35, with yearly exams recommended for women 40 and over. Screening mammograms includes two views of each breast. The screening mammogram does not require a physician’s order to have the test performed, but does require the name of your personal physician so your test results can be sent to him or her. A screening mammogram is recommended for women who have:

• No symptoms
• No noticeable lumps
• No pain
• No discharge from your breasts
• Haven’t had breast cancer before
• Don’t have breast implants
• Not following up for a problem with their breasts

Diagnostic
Diagnostic mammograms include two views of each breast with additional views according to the radiologist recommendation. Diagnostic mammograms are recommended for women who:

• Are experiencing a new problem with their breasts (lump, nipple discharge, etc.)
• Have had breast cancer
• Have an abnormal finding on a screening mammogram

Ultrasound
If an abnormality is found on a woman’s mammogram or physical exam, an ultrasound of the breast may be necessary to determine the type of abnormality. An ultrasound is a tool, which assists in determining if a lump is a fluid filled cyst or a solid mass. The ultrasound is non-invasive and uses sound waves to create a picture of the breast.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic core needle biopsy uses advanced computer digital imaging technology. It allows the physician to remove small samples of tissue that require further attention after showing up on a mammogram. This procedure is safe and simple. Our specialists, in an outpatient setting, perform the test at Midwest Regional Breast Care Center.

The Importance of Breast Self Exams
Breast Self Examination is one of the best weapons that women have to fight against breast cancer. Early detection greatly increases the survival rate of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Because Midwest Regional Breast Care Center is committed to detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages, our staff is dedicated to providing instruction on how to perform your monthly breast self exams. The American Cancer Society recommends for women age 40 and over:

Annual mammogram
Annual clinical breast exam (CBE) performed by a health care professional Breast self-examination every month

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that makes our bones fragile and more likely to break easily. If left untreated, osteoporosis can progress without your knowledge until a bone is broken.

Questions?
For information on any of the services offered at Midwest Regional Breast Care Center please call 610-8888.