Women's care

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. We take this very seriously and look to act with appropriate treatment quickly and effectively following a diagnosis.

Many of our surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and you may be able to leave the same or following day to recover at home. We also use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible, including robotic surgery. These modern techniques enable us to operate using small incisions, decreasing scarring and improving recovery times.

Breast cancer screening is extremely important, as early detection is your best defense. Regular exams can help identify issues when they are most treatable. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as pain, irritation or lumps, tell your doctor right away. Our breast care specialists offer numerous diagnostic procedures for helping diagnose breast cancer.

Typically encompassing both a breast exam and a pelvic exam, well-woman checkups are designed to help identify potential abnormalities that can be indicative of larger health issues. In addition to clinical exams of your breasts, well-woman checkups can also include lab work, as well as both STD and pap testing.

Bone density testing, also called a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, is used to measure bone density and screen for osteoporosis. This exam is recommended for women approaching menopause, as there is a direct connection between estrogen production and bone health. DEXA scans are recommended for women undergoing chemotherapy for the same reason, as chemotherapy can push women into early menopause, putting them at risk for reduced bone density.

A breast MRI uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images. These images are often helpful in diagnosing breast cancer, measuring the size of tumors or searching for other tumors.

For certain women with an especially high risk of developing breast cancer, it is recommended to get an annual MRI scan, as well as a yearly mammogram. Combined, these two tests improve the chance of finding breast cancer early. It is recommended that most high-risk women should begin scheduling MRIs and mammograms at 30 years old.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is one of the most common methods for detecting breast cancer. Most doctors recommend starting yearly mammograms at 40 years old, however, you may need annual mammograms sooner if you have other risk factors for breast cancer.

The mammography suite at our outpatient imaging center features state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment with the lowest dose of radiation available.

If you would like to schedule a mammogram online, we have online scheduling available.

While we are always here to help diagnose any potential complications, we highly recommend self-exams as much as possible. Start doing these when you are 20 years old. Self-exams will help you notice any troublesome changes over time.

Breast surgery may be recommended as a diagnostic step or as part of a breast cancer treatment plan. If a mammogram or MRI shows an abnormality, your oncologist may suggest completing a breast biopsy, a procedure that removes a cell or tissue sample as a precautionary measure to check for cancer. A biopsy can also be performed to track how successful other treatment options, such as radiation or chemotherapy, have been.

Breast surgery is beneficial in helping to remove cancer, and our surgeons can perform a mastectomy (partial or full removal of one or both breasts) to remove affected cells and nearby tissue, as well as a range of other potentially necessary procedures.