Early Detection

Great strides have been made towards women getting the message that an annual mammogram is key in the early detection and fight against breast cancer.

Within the last decade, many medical advances have been made in diagnostic procedures regarding breast disease. Women can rest assured that Good Samaritan offers state-of-the-art, accurate tests and procedures.

The Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center Breast Diagnostic Center offers the following services, which are all accredited by the American College of Radiology:

Comprehensive Screening Mammogram Program: Both sites perform routine screening mammograms on asymptomatic patients daily.

Diagnostic Mammography: Both sites perform comprehensive diagnostic work up for patients with abnormal screening mammogram or symptoms. Patients seen for diagnostic work up are given their results by the doctor that day.

Diagnostic Ultrasound: High-resolution ultrasound machines are used to detect masses and for ultrasound guided fine needle and core biopsies. Most of the biopsies performed have benign results and the patient does not have to proceed with surgery.

Stereotactic Biopsy: In our hospital suite is a state-of-the-art Lorad stereotactic table with the most advanced vacuum assisted biopsy techniques. A technologist and nurse assist the doctor who can biopsy microcalcifications (millimeters in size) and lumps that are not palpable and are not seen on ultrasound. This non-surgical imaging guided biopsy requires only local anesthesia in the breast. Most women get benign results and do not have to proceed with surgery. For the women that do need to proceed with surgery, the comprehensive biopsy results often allow for definitive surgical treatment in one operation.

Needle Localizations: A lump that cannot be felt needs to be localized prior to surgical biopsy for a surgeon to remove. In such cases, a guide wire is placed into the breast prior to surgery by using either a mammogram or ultrasound to guide the placement and locate the area for biopsy. The wire actually hooks through the areas (calcification or nodule) to be removed. The mass or calcifications and the wire are removed in the operating room and sent back to mammography to be X-rayed and confirm the removal of the correct area while the patient is still in the operating room.

Imaging Test To Detect Osteoporosis:

DEXA bone densitometry: The "gold standard" of bone assessment methods. This non-invasive test is a baseline assessment for osteoporosis and can be completed in a matter of minutes. The test results will provide important information to assess the next steps in care for the prevention of future bone loss and in limiting a person's risk of a devastating injury. When an appointment is made for a mammogram, one can also be made for the bone density testing.

For further information, call the Physician and Health Referral Line at (631) 376-4444.