The titles below are the clinical services we provide: 

Digital mammography is the most recent advancement in mammography technology. Digital mammography is similar to traditional mammography, but utilizes a special computer attached to the x-ray equipment that receives the images and immediately converts them into a digital picture on a computer screen.  The images can then be viewed immediately by the technologist and radiologist. The digital mammogram is then stored on a computer, rather than in large film envelopes. With digital mammography, the magnification of an area, brightness, and/or contrast of the film may be adjusted after the exam is completed enabling the radiologist to see certain areas more clearly.

The benefits that digital mammography may provide over standard mammography equipment include the following:

• Ability for the radiologist to improve the contrast between dense and non-dense breast tissue
• Ability to take images in a shorter period of time, reducing exam time for patients
• Quicker results to patients
• Easier image storage and quicker retrieval of film when needed
• Physician’s ability to manipulate images for more accurate detection of breast cancer

 Computer Aided Detection

The Lake Pointe Breast Center utilizes Computer Aided Detection (CAD) software.  CAD is a sophisticated scanner and computer program that marks potential areas of concern on the mammogram.  The system has been clinically validated via prospective studies to significantly improve detection performance without a significant increase in recall rates.  The advantage to the patient is equivalent to having mammogram images reviewed by two experts rather than one. The Lake Pointe Breast Center is proud to offer this state-or-the-art technology as part of our screening and diagnostic services. 

Screening Mammogram

A screening mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast on a woman who has no signs or symptoms of a problem. The goal of a screening mammogram is to find cancer when it is still too small to be felt by a woman or her doctor. Finding small breast cancers early by a screening mammogram greatly improves a woman’s chance for successful treatment. A screening mammogram usually takes 2 x-ray pictures (views) of each breast.

Women between the ages of 35-39 should have a baseline mammogram. Beginning at the age of 40 and older, a woman should have a mammogram every year. Women who are at higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about the age that they should start having mammograms and the frequency.

Once your screening exam is completed, you may leave. The radiologist will read your exam and determine if you need to come back for further tests. The test results will be sent to both you and your referring physician usually one week.  If additional tests are needed, we will contact you to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic mammogram.

Implants

Women with breast implants should continue to have mammograms. It is important to inform the mammography facility about breast implants when scheduling the mammogram. If the technologist performing the procedure is aware a woman has breast implants, steps can be taken to make sure that as much breast tissue as possible can be seen on the mammogram.

Preparation

A physician order is required for a diagnostic mammogram.  You may bring this in at the time of your visit or your physician can fax it to our center.  A physician order is not required for a screening mammogram. 

Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots. Please describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam. Also let us know if you think you may be pregnant.  If you had last year’s mammogram at another facility, it is important to bring your previous mammogram films for comparison.  We can also assist with requesting your previous films by signing our release form. 

We recommend for menstruating women that they schedule their mammogram during the first two weeks of their cycle. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period.

The Exam

A specially qualified radiologic technologist will perform your mammogram. Breast compression is necessary in order to keep the breast still to minimize blurring of the image caused by motion, even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized and spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities may be seen.

The technologist will stand behind a glass shield during the x-ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions between images. The routine pictures are top-to-bottom views and side views for each breast.

Five percent to 15 percent of screening mammograms require more testing such as additional mammograms or ultrasounds. Most of these tests turn out to be normal. If there is an abnormal finding, a biopsy may need to be performed. Most of the biopsies confirm that no cancer was present.

Diagnostic Mammograms

In women who have breast symptoms (problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge) a diagnostic mammogram is necessary. These are also done on patients who have a suspicious change seen on a screening mammogram.

A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Please expect to be at the center for at least one hour. The radiologists will be looking at your films while you are at the center. If the radiologist believes another type of procedure should be done, it will be performed the same day.  You will have the results before you leave the breast center.

Preparation

In order to receive a diagnostic mammogram at the LPBC, a woman must have an order from their physician. You may bring this in at the time of your visit or your physician can fax it to our center. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots. Please describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam. If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available at the time of the exam. Also let us know if you think you may be pregnant.

We recommend for menstruating women that they schedule their mammogram during the first two weeks of their cycle. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period.

The Exam

A specially qualified radiologic technologist will perform your mammogram.  Breast compression is necessary in order to keep the breast still to minimize blurring of the image caused by motion, even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized and spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities may be seen.

The technologist will stand behind a glass shield during the x-ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions between images. The routine pictures are top-to-bottom views and side views for each breast.

Breast Ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to look inside a part of the body. A handheld instrument called a transducer is placed on the skin. It will transmit the sound waves through the breast. Echoes from the sound waves are picked up and translated by a computer into a black and white picture that is displayed on the monitor. This test is painless and does not expose you to radiation.

Why a Breast Ultrasound:

Breast ultrasound is used to evaluate questions that were raised during a screening or diagnostic mammogram. It can be used to see whether a breast lump is filled with fluid or if it is a solid lump; watch for changes in the size of a cyst; and find the cause of breast pain, swelling or redness. Masses can be many things, including cysts and non-cancerous solid tumors (such as fibroadenomas). But they also could be cancer.

To be sure that a mass is a cyst (non-cancerous, fluid-filled sacs) breast ultrasound is needed. Sometimes the radiologist will recommend removal of the fluid. If this is the case an aspiration or removal of fluid by a thin, hollow needle will occur.

Fibroadenomas are benign (not cancerous) breast tumors/lumps that are made of glandular and fibrous breast tissue. A fibroadenoma will be easier to distinguish from other tissue with an ultrasound test because of the way it responds to sound waves. If there is a question, the most conclusive test is a fine needle biopsy or a core needle biopsy, to get a sample of the cells for a pathologist to examine.

Your prior mammograms and ultrasounds may help show that a mass has not changed for many years. This would mean that the mass is likely a benign condition and a biopsy is not needed. If you are a patient established with our practice we will have these old images available to our radiologists. If you have not been to the center before please bring these with you so that they available for the radiologist.

In order for the radiologist to definitively find cancer, a breast biopsy will be needed. The procedure will most likely be recommended right after the ultrasound.

Preparation for a Breast Ultrasound

Wear a two-piece outfit so that it is easy to undress above the waist. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts. You will need to undress from above the waist and put on a gown. All jewelry should be removed from around your neck.

The Exam

At our facility, a breast ultrasound is done by the specially trained technologist.

Gel will be put on your breast so the transducer can pick up the sound waves as it is moved back and forth over the breast. A picture of the breast tissue can be seen on the monitor. The technologist will usually look at the whole breast. She will also take several pictures during the examination and offer her opinion to you on what she is seeing.

A breast ultrasound test usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. More time may be needed if a breast biopsy is required.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI is a breast-imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body. The images taken capture multiple cross-sectional pictures of your breast. Breast MRI involves combining the images, using a computer, to generate detailed, 2-D and 3-D pictures. It is a non-invasive procedure that doctors can use to determine what the inside of the breast looks like. No radioactivity is involved, and the technique is believed to have no health hazards in general.

Breast MRI is not used routinely for breast cancer screening, but breast MRI is performed when your doctor needs more information than a mammogram, ultrasound or clinical breast exam can provide. A Breast MRI may be recommended if:

• You've been diagnosed with breast cancer and your doctor wishes to determine the extent of the cancer.
• You or your doctor can feel a mass or other lump in your breast, but it's not detectable on mammogram or ultrasound.
• You notice a breast lump or other breast change after surgery or radiation therapy and it's not detectable on mammogram or ultrasound.
• Your doctor wants to monitor your opposite breast after you've been newly diagnosed or treated for breast cancer in the other breast.
• You have a suspected leak or rupture of a breast implant.
• You're at high risk of breast cancer.
• You have a strong family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
• You have very dense breast tissue and your prior breast cancer was not detected on mammogram.
• You have a history of precancerous breast changes, a strong family history of breast cancer and dense breast tissue.

Preparation

You will need to have an order from your primary care physician for this test.

When scheduling the test, you will be given paperwork to fill out with screening and safety information specifically needed for this exam.

The doctor may want your kidney function tested beforehand by ordering a blood test if you are over 50. If you are premenopausal, we prefer to schedule your MRI at a certain point during your menstrual cycle—around day seven to 14. Let us know where you are in your cycle so that optimal timing for the MRI can be arranged. Also let us know if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant.

For patients who are claustrophobic, please contact your ordering physician. S/he may be able to prescribe something for this.

You will be asked to undress completely except for your panties and socks. Please eat and drink as usual. If you are anxious, bring someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

The technologist will place an intravenous line (IV) in your arm prior to taking you into the MRI room. This will be used to inject a contrast material during the procedure.

The Exam

The MRI machine has a large, central opening. During the breast MRI, you lie face down on a special padded scanning table. Your breasts will be placed into hollow depressions in the table, which contain coils that detect magnetic signals from the MRI machine. The entire table then slides into the opening of the machine.

The MRI machine creates a magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body. You will not feel the magnetic field or radio waves, but you may hear loud tapping and thumping sounds coming from inside the machine. Because of this, you will be given earplugs and head phones to wear.

During the exam, a contrast agent (dye) will be injected into your veins through the IV in your arm to enhance the appearance of tissues or blood vessels for the MRI pictures.

The technologist will monitor you from another room. You can speak to the technologist through a microphone and you will also have a hand-held alarm to alert the technologist of a problem you may be experiencing. You will be instructed to breathe normally but to lie as still as possible.

The breast MRI appointment may take up to one hour.

Breast Biopsy

A biopsy is a general term which simply means the removal of tissue for microscopic examination. This procedure is recommended when the radiologist wants to determine if an area of concern is or is not cancer. The biopsy is a safe procedure and few women experience any complications. The most common side effect is bruising and tenderness.

Stereotactic Biopsy

If you are recommended for this procedure, you have already had a diagnostic mammogram. Usually this biopsy is needed because the radiologist has found microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium) in those images. These microcalcifications can sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer. A biopsy is necessary in order to know for sure.

Preparation

Wear a two-piece outfit so that it is easy to undress above the waist. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts. You will need to undress from above the waist and put on a gown. All jewelry should be removed from around your neck. Please eat and drink as usual. If you are anxious, bring someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

Please let us know before you come in for this appointment if you have any problems with bleeding or are taking Coumadin, Heparin, Plavix, Aspirin, Flax Seed, Fish Oil, Gingko Biloba and/or Vitamins A, C or E. We may not be able to perform the biopsy if we do not know about these items before your appointment. If you are someone who needs antibiotic treatment before procedures, please contact your healthcare provider to get a prescription. Also let us know if you are or could be pregnant.

The Exam

For the stereotactic biopsy you will need to be on your stomach. Your skin will be cleaned with a special preparation of betadine (usually a brown/red solution). Your breast will again be compressed by the machine. More pictures will be taken of the breast that is going to be biopsied. This will help to target the exact placement of the needle to get the correct samples. You will also receive a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area where the biopsy will be done. Once numb, the radiologist will take several samples of the breast tissue. You should expect to hear a “popping noise” during this process. During the biopsy, women typically report a sensation of pressure, but you should not experience any pain. If you feel pain, please tell the radiologist. After the biopsy, pressure will be placed on the biopsy site in order to lessen any bleeding that occurs. This is usually done by the medical assistant. After the biopsy a bandage is placed on the skin and a small ice pack is placed over the biopsy site. The biopsy samples are sent to the lab for review. Your results are usually completed within 24-48 hours on weekdays. We will call you with the results.

Follow Up Care – Biopsy Site Care:

• Apply ice to the breast to relive swelling/bruising after the procedure.
• Remove the pressure dressing (Ace Bandage) the next day after biopsy.  Do not shower or bathe until you remove bandaging.
• Do not remove the steri-strip/tape – allow it to come off by itself.  You may bathe or shower with the tape in place.
• You may notice bruising in the area of your biopsy site.  This should resolve in 5-7 days.
• If you need to take medication for discomfort, you may take any NON-ASPIRIN pain reliever (ie. Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve, etc.) DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN.
• Do not participate in strenuous activity for 24 hours (Do not do any heavy lifting)
• If bleeding begins, apply pressure for 10 minutes.  If bleeding persists, apply pressure an additional ten minutes.  If bleeding does not stop, contact your physician of closest emergency facility.
• Any questions or concerns, feel free the call the Lake Pointe Imaging Center at 469-698-8555, option 1.

What to expect:

It is normal to have a small amount of oozing from the biopsy site. Bruising in the area will be present but usually clears up within a week. You will experience tenderness around the biopsy area. You may take your usual pain medication but we recommend that you avoid taking aspirin. Contact us if you have excessive swelling or bleeding does not stop. Also contact us if you show signs of infection (redness, warmth, increased tenderness or unusual drainage –yellow or green) or persistent or increasing pain not relieved by your pain medication.

Breast Ultrasound Biopsy

If you are recommended for this procedure, you have already had a Breast Ultrasound. The Breast Ultrasound was used to evaluate questions that were raised during a screening or diagnostic mammogram—usually to see whether a breast mass was suspicious for cancer or not. Certain non-cancerous findings in the breast can mimic breast cancer. Having the biopsy is the only way to know for sure.

Preparation

Wear a two-piece outfit so that it is easy to undress above the waist. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts. You will need to undress from above the waist and put on a gown. All jewelry should be removed from around your neck. Please eat and drink as usual. If you are anxious, bring someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

Please let us know before you come in for this appointment if you have any problems with bleeding or are taking Coumadin, Heparin, Plavix, Aspirin, Flax Seed, Fish Oil, Gingko Biloba and/or Vitamins A, C or E. We may not be able to perform the biopsy if we do not know about these items before your appointment. If you are someone who needs antibiotic treatment before procedures, please contact your healthcare provider to get a prescription. Also let us know if you are or could be pregnant.

The Exam

For the Ultrasound Biopsy, the ultrasound machine will be used to guide the special needle to the correct location in the breast. You will be in the same position that you were in for your ultrasound. Your skin will be cleaned with a special preparation of betadine (usually a brown/red solution). Gel will again be applied to your breast. You will also receive a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area where the biopsy will be done. The radiologist will take a sampling of the cells. During the biopsy, women typically report a sensation of pressure, but you should not experience any pain. If you feel pain, please tell the radiologist. After the biopsy, the gel will be removed and pressure will be placed on the biopsy site in order to lessen any bleeding that occurs. If you feel pain, please tell the radiologist. After the biopsy a bandage is placed on the skin and a small ice pack is placed over the biopsy site. The biopsy samples are sent to the lab for review. Your results are usually completed within 24-48 hours on weekdays. We will call you with the results.

Follow Up Care – Biopsy Site Care:

• Apply ice to the breast to relive swelling/bruising after the procedure.
• Remove the pressure dressing (Ace Bandage) the next day after biopsy.  Do not shower or bathe until you remove bandaging.
• Do not remove the steri-strip/tape – allow it to come off by itself.  You may bathe or shower with the tape in place.
• You may notice bruising in the area of your biopsy site.  This should resolve in 5-7 days.
• If you need to take medication for discomfort, you may take any NON-ASPIRIN pain reliever (ie. Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve, etc.) DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN.
• Do not participate in strenuous activity for 24 hours (Do not do any heavy lifting)
• If bleeding begins, apply pressure for 10 minutes.  If bleeding persists, apply pressure an additional ten minutes.  If bleeding does not stop, contact your physician of closest emergency facility.
• Any questions or concerns, feel free the call the Lake Pointe Imaging Center at 469-698-8555, option 1.

What to expect:

It is normal to have a small amount of oozing from the biopsy site. Bruising in the area will be present but usually clears up within a week. You will experience tenderness around the biopsy area. You may take your usual pain medication but we recommend that you avoid taking aspirin. Contact us if you have excessive swelling or bleeding does not stop. Also contact us if you show signs of infection (redness, warmth, increased tenderness or unusual drainage –yellow or green) or persistent or increasing pain not relieved by your pain medication.

Bone Density

Bone density tests measure bone mineral content to determine the strength of your bones and test for osteoporosis.  The scan is a simple, painless procedure that takes less than 10 minutes to perform.  Annual bone density tests are recommended for post-menopausal women over the age of 50 and can be easily scheduled with your mammogram.