Breast Cancer Screenings
At each of our MemorialCare Breast Centers in Los Angeles County and Orange County, we offer the most current and up to date breast imaging to detect signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
Mammography
Mammograms are one of the most important tools in the early detection of breast cancer. This low-dose X-ray can reveal both benign (non- cancerous) and cancerous growths when they are too small to be detected by you or your health care provider. With a screening mammogram, it is possible to detect micro-calcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast, which can sometimes indicate the potential presence of an early breast cancer) or a tumor that cannot be felt.
State-of-the-Art Digital Mammography
MemorialCare Breast Centers are on the leading edge of breast care—equipped with state-of-the-art digital mammography. In digital mammography, a special detector is used to convert X-ray energy into a digital picture almost instantaneously. This technology makes mammograms faster and more convenient. It also allows our dedicated breast radiologist to manipulate the mammogram image, magnify details, increase or decrease contrast, or reverse black and white values. All of this improves the quality of the exam and the interpretation.
A recent Digital Mammography Imaging Screening research study, sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, has shown digital mammography to be significantly better than film mammography in screening women with very dense breast tissue. This often includes women under the age of 50 or those who are pre- or perimenopausal.
To help promote accuracy, all screening mammograms are double-read by a radiologist and a computer-aided detection system.
A Letter to Our Patients Regarding New Breast Screening Guidelines.
Breast Ultrasound
In addition to a mammogram screening, your Breast Center health care provider may recommend a breast ultrasound. An ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create an internal image of your breast. This breast screening allows our specialized physicians to get a closer look at the chest walls and breast lumps to detect causes of breast symptoms.
