We are designed to give you the best, most comprehensive care possible, including dedicated care coordination, high-quality diagnostic services, and access to our Mobile Mammography Program, Lymphedema Clinic and Enhancement Program.

Diagnostic Services
Mammography - Our certified technologists perform screening mammograms (X-rays) to check for any changes in your breasts. A diagnostic mammogram is performed for an area of concern such as a lump, breast pain, change in size or shape of the nipple or breast, or for discharge from a nipple. Special views are performed if an area needs to be magnified or viewed at a different angle.

Digital Mammography - This new technology allows radiologists to view mammograms on a computer screen, adjust the picture’s lightness or darkness and zoom in on certain areas of the breast. Technologists also can review the picture within seconds of taking the X-ray, decreasing waiting time for patients.

As a community service, the Breast Center works in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Sage Program to provide mammograms at no charge to women who do not have insurance or are underinsured.

The Breast Center completes annual federal accreditation by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA, which assures you of the facility’s high standards and quality control.

ImageChecker - The ImageChecker is a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for use in breast cancer screenings to assist radiologists in minimizing false negative readings during mammograms.

The ImageChecker CAD system is currently used in conjunction with the digital mammogram image. The system's specialized processing software analyzes the image and draws the radiologist's attention to suspicious features that may be indicative of cancer. The radiologist typically reviews the entire mammogram first and then activates the ImageChecker monitor to see if any areas have been highlighted for additional review. If an image is marked, the radiologist goes back to the original mammogram to review this area of the image in more detail.

Ultrasound - An ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) of the breast may be used to determine if a lump or suspicious area is fluid-filled (like a cyst) or solid. This helps to determine if further tests or a biopsy may be necessary.

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy - A core needle biopsy can be performed on an area as it is visualized by ultrasound. This offers an accurate diagnostic method for tissue sampling with a less invasive procedure.

Stereotactic Biopsy - A stereotactic biopsy, a form of core needle biopsy, can be provided to women with small or non-palpable tumors. Breast imaging equipment is used along with a computer that helps to localize the area so a biopsy can be performed on the lesion.

Surgical Biopsy - A surgical biopsy is performed in an operating room. The tumor is localized by a wire prior to excision if it is not palpable (easily located by touch). The wire localization is completed in the Breast Center, and the patient is then taken to the operating room. Next, the entire tumor or a sample of tissue is removed and evaluated by the pathologist.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy - If an invasive breast cancer is diagnosed and surgery is necessary to remove the tumor, it is important to evaluate the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes) as well. In some instances, a less invasive procedure can be used to analyze the status of the axillary lymph nodes. This procedure is accomplished by using special equipment and medication to help locate the first lymph node that a tumor drains to. This node is then checked for cancer cells. If no cancer cells are detected, no further lymph nodes need to be removed, giving women a shorter postoperative recovery time.

Breast MRI - The Breast MRI Coil is a cutting-edge, computer-aided device to detect and diagnose breast cancer at its earliest stages. This equipment greatly enhances diagnostic imaging in women with dense breasts and women with abnormal breast discharge or other abnormal breast conditions.

Research has shown that the computer-aided device for the Breast MRI Coil can further highlight or enhance the areas of concern and evaluate tumors not otherwise seen on mammogram or ultrasound. This provides for a more thorough exam and assists with prescribing the appropriate treatment.