Breast Care
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Merit Health provides helpful services to educate women on breast health and diseases, the risk factors, prevention and what could be a symptom of breast cancer. The cancer specialists (oncologists) at Merit Health encourage self-exams and routine screenings to screen for cancer. We utilize imaging technology to help detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when a treatment plan can be most effective.
Digital Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. Merit Health offers digital imaging technology. With digital technology, radiologists can zoom in on particular areas or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately.
Benefits of a digital mammogram include:
- Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
- Less radiation exposure.
- Superior image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams.
Breast MRI
Along with mammography, breast MRI can be an effective diagnostic tool for breast cancer. MRI is a breast cancer screening often used for women who are at greater risk of developing breast cancer or who have dense breast tissue or implants — cases in which mammography is less effective at detecting abnormalities. This technique offers a more comfortable experience for women, and is used to:
- Assess the extent of breast cancer.
- Determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation therapy during breast cancer treatment.
- Further evaluate abnormalities that were found during a mammogram or clinical exam.
- Provide additional detail for treatment planning.
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate an abnormality found during a mammogram. Ultrasound allows doctors to see the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see using mammography or other breast imaging. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
When a lump or abnormal area is detected during screening, a biopsy can determine whether cells are cancerous. Advanced imaging technology — such as MRI, mammography or ultrasound — can be combined with minimally invasive techniques to obtain tissue samples in order to complete a diagnosis. Merit Health offers digital stereotactic biopsies, and women can choose to be seated or lying down during the procedure for maximum comfort.