Breast Care

At CHI Health, mammography screenings provide the highest level of accuracy for even the smallest tumors. With low-dose radiation technology, image capture is instant, crystal-clear and can be zoomed in for further review. Such speed and precision means we’ll have your mammogram screening results within 24 hours. If anything suspicious is found, we'll make sure you receive all follow-up testing—including a biopsy, if necessary—within a matter of days, not weeks. 

Why a Digital Mammogram Screening is Performed

A mammography screening is performed to:

• Screen healthy women for signs of breast cancer
  
• Further evaluate an abnormal finding on a physical exam
• Monitor and follow a woman who has had an abnormal mammogram
• Evaluate a woman who has symptoms of a breast disease, such as a lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, dimpling of the skin on the breast or retraction of the nipple

The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin breast cancer screening at age 40 and have repeat mammograms every year. Women with a mother or sister who had breast cancer should consider yearly mammograms 10 years earlier than the age at which their youngest family member was diagnosed.

What is 3D Mammography?

CHI Health is proud to provide 3D mammography which is proven to find cancers (specifically early stage cancers) at a higher rate. For patients who are considered high risk or have a family history of breast cancer, 3D mammography is the preferred method of imaging. We have 3D mammography available at our diagnostic centers. 3D Mammography, or Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time. It generates a stack of 1 mm slice images (“layers”) of breast tissue. Instead of viewing the complexities of your breast tissue in one flat image, the radiologist can examine the tissue one layer at a time. Fine details are more clearly visible, no longer hidden by overlapping tissue.

Who is Eligible for 3D Mammography?

All women can benefit from 3D Mammography, especially:

• Women between the ages of 40-60
  
• Women having a baseline, first-time mammogram
• Women with dense breast tissue
• Women with a personal history of cancer

Benefits of 3D Mammography

3D Mammography (in combination with traditional digital mammography) has the potential to:

• Help reduce false positive rates by 15%
  
• 40% decrease in call backs which means less worry, anxiety and cost for patients
• Improve the selection of patients for biopsy
• Increase cancer detection rates, especially in patients with dense breasts
• Detects up to 40% more invasive cancers

What to Expect During Your Exam

The 3D mammography screening experience is similar to that of a traditional digital mammogram. The 3D screening images are taken at the same time as your traditional, digital screening. The technologist will position you, compress your breasts under a paddle, and take images from different angles. The X-ray arm will move in an arc, taking multiple low-dose breast images in just seconds. The length of the exam is similar to that of a routine traditional digital mammogram. The technologist sends your breast images electronically to the radiologist, who studies them and reports results to either your physician or directly to you.

An abnormal mammogram or lump in your breast will almost always need further investigation. Your doctor may order what’s called a breast biopsy.

An ultrasound guided core needle biopsy is a procedure where a physician uses a hollow needle to take breast tissue samples directed by ultrasound. The tissue is then sent to a pathologist that examines the tissue under a microscope to determine whether there is cancer or any abnormal cells. Every patient is nervous, but it’s important to note that over two thirds of biopsies performed lead to benign diagnosis and not cancer

The biopsy is an outpatient procedure generally performed in the doctor’s office. You will be given a gown and asked to undress from the waist up. The biopsy site will be cleaned and injected with an anesthetic. Once the area is numb the doctor will take the sample. Often times the physician will make a small incision. The biopsy needle is then inserted and several samples are obtained. The procedure often takes just a few minutes. During the procedure you may feel pressure but should not notice anything sharp or painful. Once the sample is removed, the incision will be bandaged and the tissue sent to the lab for examination. The biopsy site may be tender for a couple of days. Make sure you notify your doctor if you experience fever, chills, redness, swelling, bleeding, or increased pain at the site.

Women should refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 48 hours. You can return immediately to normal activity. Biopsy results are generally available 1 to 4 days following the procedure. You will be called with the results.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

A stereotactic guided biopsy uses a mammogram to help locate an abnormality that needs to be sampled. It’s typically used when something is spotted on a mammogram but can’t be picked up on an ultrasound.

For this procedure, you will be asked to uncover the breast. You will lie face-down on the biopsy table or possibly sit in the upright unit. Your breast will be numbed and then held in place while the biopsy is performed.

The doctor may make a small cut at the area that needs to be biopsied. Special mammographic images will be used to locate the area and several samples will be taken. A metal clip will be left behind in order to identify the area that was sampled.

Once the procedure is complete, a bandage will be applied to the site – the samples will be sent to the lab and you will be given an ice pack to control the swelling.

We understand this is a difficult time for you and your family. That’s why we offer a variety of treatment programs to all of our oncology patients in the CHI Health system. 

Surgery

Depending on the type and stage of your cancer, your surgery may be a lumpectomy (when the surgeon removes the tumor from the breast) or a mastectomy (when the surgeon removes the entire breast). At your request, a plastic surgeon may also be involved.

Your nurse navigator will meet with you before surgery to answer any questions you may have. If you wish, a chaplain will also meet and pray with you.

Clinical trials

CHI Health is committed to advancing cancer treatment through research. One way we do this is by offering our patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. By joining a clinical trial, you’re ensuring your experience is used to help others in the future.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses chemicals to target cancer cells in the body. These chemicals generally inhibit the cells’ ability to divide, or reproduce. Chemotherapy may be the sole treatment method, or it may be used in combination with surgery and radiation.

Radiation

Radiation therapy targets cancer cells using radiation beams. Computerized treatment-planning programs allow us to direct radiation at a tumor from multiple angles, thus targeting the cancer cells and minimizing damage to healthy tissue. CHI Health offers radiation treatment that is close to your home, family and friends.

Support services

Our job is to help patients heal not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually. CHI Health takes a holistic approach, offering a complete range of support services designed to promote all aspects of healing. Learn more about available support groups.

Breast Center

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer, so early detection is key. That's why the CHI Health Breast Centers offer technology and staff specifically dedicated to your breast health and well-being in a beautiful space that is welcoming and comfortable. Services include a clinical exam and mammogram.

Breast Health Center at Lakeside

The advanced technology at the Breast Health Center aids in earlier detection of breast cancer and we offer the most advanced imaging techniques for detection and diagnosis, including 3D mammography and breast MRI. For women with dense breast tissue, we offer enhanced screening with 3D automated breast ultrasound (ABUS). 

Our sophisticated 3D image-guided prone biopsy gives 360-degree access to the breast, allowing the radiologist improved access to suspicious lesions. This gives you a faster, more accurate and comfortable experience. 

Single-Session Approach Offers Accelerated Care Planning

With our single-session approach to care, you will meet with our multidisciplinary team at one time. We will discuss your diagnosis in detail, including all your treatment options. With your input, the team creates a personalized plan for your treatment. You will walk out of the meeting with a written roadmap for the journey ahead. The single-session approach is: 

• Collaborative: No more scheduling hassles. Our team works together during a single visit, for a more streamlined and individualized approach.
• Accelerated: There’s no time to wait. You will go from diagnosis to individualized treatment plan in a few hours versus several days, and walk away with appointments for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or other visits.
• Personalized: One size does not fit all, our team approach allows us to individualize your treatment options to the characteristics of your tumor. 
• Comprehensive: There’s a lot to consider. Our Breast Health Center assists with all aspects of care from diagnosis and treatments to survivorship. Resources include nurse navigators, genetic counselors, support groups and more. 

Our care team and extensive services include:

• Comprehensive medical evaluation – including medical oncology, surgical oncology and radiation oncology
• Skilled plastic surgeons that offer latest breast reconstruction techniques
• Infusion services
• Radiation therapy
• Genetic counseling and testing
• Evaluation and management of patients at high risk for breast cancer
• Cancer Nurse Navigators
• Clinical trials, including more than 20 breast cancer trials
• Oncology social worker
• Cancer support groups 

A Triple-accredited Center of Excellence

CHI Health Breast Health Center at Lakeside is certified by three national accrediting bodies, the highest achievement available. 

American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

This designation is awarded to breast imaging centers that achieve excellence by seeking and earning accreditation in all of the ACR’s voluntary breast-imaging accreditation programs and modules, in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program.

National Quality Measures for Breast Centers

The CHI Health Breast Health Center has achieved the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC™) Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence accreditation. This is the highest certification level. This certification recognizes a center’s quality performance as meeting quality standards criteria. In addition to the requirements to become a Certified Participant, the Certified Quality Breast Center applicant must have supplied 90% of the measures for which their quality breast center type should be able to measure performance.

National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers

The CHI Health Breast Health Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeon's National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Accreditation by the NAPBC is granted only to those centers that are voluntarily committed to providing the best possible care to patients with diseases of the breast. Each breast center must undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with NAPBC Standards.

CHI Breast Center of Excellence

In order to obtain this designation, a breast center must hold accreditation with the American College of Surgeon’s National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), be recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) by the American College of Radiology, and be certified as a Quality Breast Center of Excellence through the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC). Less than 1% of breast centers across the country have achieved this significant accomplishment.

MammaCare Certification

The CHI Health Breast Health Center has achieved the MammaCare certification, which is the recognized standard for performing a clinical breast examination (CBE). The MammaCare Clinical Breast Examination Teletraining Course is a one-to-one program conducted with a live instructor. Trainees learn to reliably detect breast lesions using MammaCare’s patented training technology. Training includes practice with surrogate patients. Graduates meet performance standards for sensitivity, specificity and thoroughness to earn certification as a MammaCare Clinical Breast Examiner.

CHI Health Louise D. Schleich Women's Health Center

It's more than mammograms. It's complete care for you. Your home for women's breast health.

The convenience you need, comfortable amenities you deserve and compassionate experts who focus completely on you. The Louise D. Schleich Women’s Health Center offers:

• Front door parking, dedicated entrance and direct check-in
• Spa-style environment, warm robes and a refreshment center
• 3D mammograms plus area’s only advanced imaging for dense breasts
• Supportive mammogram coordinator to answer your questions

Screening Mammograms

You can make an appointment or just walk-in for a screening mammogram with the provider order. To schedule a mammogram, call (402) 219-7123 or fill out our secure online form to request an appointment. A physician’s order is required.

We have extended hours to fit your busy schedule:

• Mon., Tues., Thur. 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Wed., Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Diagnostic Mammograms

Call (402) 219-7123 to schedule an appointment. Same day results available for 2D screening or diagnostic mammograms.

Other Diagnostic Services

Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)

We offer the most advanced imaging techniques for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer, including 3D mammography, an Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) and a breast MRI.

• 3D mammography allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time, instead of viewing the complexities of breast tissue in one flat image.
• Using 3D ultrasound, ABUS looks at dense breasts differently to find cancer that mammography may not see. It’s relatively comfortable, and it doesn’t expose you to any additional radiation.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound, or sonogram, is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts. Your doctor may order an breast ultrasound if you have a breast lump found during a breast exam or an abnormal mammogram. This test can help tell the difference between a solid mass or a cyst and look for a growth if you have clear or bloody fluid coming from your nipple.

Breast Needle Biopsy

A needle biopsy of the breast is a procedure in which tissue is removed from suspicious areas and analyzed by a physician to determine whether or not cancer is present. A needle biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. Simple aspirations are performed with a small gauge needle to attempt to draw fluid from lumps that are thought to be cysts. A core needle biopsy uses a larger needle to make passes through a lump to draw out tissue. Withdrawn tissue is further evaluated.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the breast and surrounding tissue. It produces highly detailed images of the breast tissue and is frequently used to determine whether or not an area of concern is cancerous, thereby avoiding unnecessary biopsies. It does not use radiation (x-rays). A breast MRI may be done in combination with mammography or ultrasound. However, it is not a replacement for mammography.

Multidisciplinary Clinic for Breast Cancer at St. Elizabeth

Our single session approach gives patients access to their entire team in one meeting, with one phone call.

Our team includes medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and other specialists who meet with you – in a single session – to discuss your diagnosis in detail, including all treatment options. Together with your input, the team creates a personalized treatment plan. 

Collaborative and Accelerated Approach

Our approach allows our team to work together in a single visit, creating a more streamlined and individualized process. No more scheduling appointments with different specialists. 

You will go from diagnosis to an individualized treatment plan in a few hours versus several days. You will walk away with appointments for additional follow-ups that need to be completed.

Our personalized team approach offers individualized care, matching your treatment options to your diagnosis. 

Our Care Team and Extensive Services Include:

• Comprehensive medical evaluation, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and
• Reconstructive surgery 
• Infusion services
• Radiation therapy
• Genetic counseling and testing
• Evaluation and management of patients at high risk for breast cancer
• Cancer nurse navigators
• Oncology social worker
• Cancer support groups

You can feel confident that our robust team offers the most advanced cancer-fighting treatments and we'll help you through every stage of cancer care.

Schedule an Appointment

Appointments can be made with our without a referral. Call (402) 219-5080 to schedule.