Diagnostic Modalities

Regular breast cancer screening is the best way for women to detect the disease in its early stages, when it's most treatable. The following technologies are available at Sturdy Memorial Hospital and Shields Radiation Oncology Center Mansfield to offer the most advanced means of diagnosing breast cancer for better accuracy in treatment planning and implementation.

Digital Mammography and Ultrasound

The Mammography Department at Sturdy Memorial is a full-service department that provides patients with high quality care in a state-of-the-art facility that is accredited by the American College of Radiology. Offered services range from routine digital mammographies to stereo-tactic biopsies, which for some patients offer an alternative to more invasive procedures. The Mammography Department is open six days a week, including evenings and Saturdays, for easy accessibility.

Digital Mammography is a relatively new technology that uses digital images instead of film x-rays to screen for breast cancer. The images are conveniently taken, stored, and transmitted electronically, allowing for the manipulation of images for improved resolution and enhanced visualization. Digital mammography uses less radiation than film mammography, thereby reducing the radiation dose without sacrificing image quality. This mammography system helps Sturdy Memorial Hospital provide the women of our community with the best possible exams.

Types of Screening and Diagnostic Tests

Screening Mammogram

A screening mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breasts. This is the recommended and most common way to detect early breast cancer. Any woman 40 years or older should have a screening mammogram every year. Finding and treating breast cancer early is important.

Diagnostic Mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is used after a lump or other abnormality in the breast is detected.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to display a picture of breast tissues. Having an ultrasound is non-invasive. It is often used in addition to a mammogram to further evaluate abnormalities in the breast.

PET-CT

PET-CT Scan, which stands for Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography, enables physicians to diagnose diseases like breast cancer more quickly and to determine more precisely which stage the cancer is in - information that invaluable in developing an effective treatment plan. A scan usually only takes about 30 minutes.

Other Diagnostic Modalities

Specialized Breast Biopsies

A biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor removes a small sample of tissue from the breast for further evaluation by a pathologist. There are many ways a breast biopsy can be performed. Biopsies can be minimally invasive or surgical. Our radiologists and surgeons will determine which biopsy is most appropriate on an individual basis, after an examination and review of a mammogram and/or ultrasound. We have several types of biopsy available, including: fine needle aspiration, ultrasound guided core biopsy, stereotactic core biopsy, and needle localization.

Pathology Services

Experienced, board certified pathologists are available 24 hours a day for consultative and clinical pathology services related to breast cancer. Our pathologists compile a comprehensive report on each biopsy specimen, detailing all of the microscopic and molecular features needed to determine a diagnosis and further treatment decisions.