Breast health

We offer comprehensive breast health services, from preventive and diagnostic screenings to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. These services are provided in a convenient and compassionate setting.

If breast cancer is detected, our highly trained and dedicated care team works closely with you to plan and execute the best course of treatment. This team consists of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and nurses — and they're all here to support you.

The American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology and Society for Breast Imaging recommend annual screening mammograms beginning at 40 years old for women who have an average risk of developing breast cancer. It's important to talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and when you should begin annual screenings.

We offer access to a wide range of breast screening and diagnostic services as a key component of our comprehensive diagnostic imaging program, including:

• Screening mammography: Screening mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable.
• Diagnostic mammography: Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate abnormal clinical findings, such as a breast lump that has been found by you or your doctor. A diagnostic mammogram may also be performed after an abnormal screening mammogram to evaluate areas of concern on the screening exam.
• Digital 3D mammography (tomosynthesis): Digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, takes several X-rays at different angles to create a 3D image of the breast. This technique has the potential to significantly increase the cancer detection rate in women with dense breast tissue.
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Breast MRI may be used for annual screening for women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer based on a family history of cancer. It can also be used as a supplemental diagnostic tool to increase the sensitivity of mammography and ultrasound.
• Molecular breast imaging (MBI): MBI uses a radioactive tracer that "lights up" abnormal areas inside the breast. When used in addition to mammography, MBI can provide screening for women who have an intermediate risk of breast cancer. For women with dense breast tissue, finding cancer with MBI is more successful than with traditional mammography alone.
• Automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS): Breast ultrasound is a procedure that may be used to determine whether a lump is a cyst (a sac filled with fluid) or a solid mass. ABUS improves cancer detection by 35 percent over mammography in women with dense breast tissue. It looks at dense breast tissue differently to find cancer that mammography may not reveal. ABUS is used most commonly in conjunction with mammography, not as a replacement for mammography.
• Stereotactic-guided breast biopsy: Stereotactic breast biopsy uses mammography-guided imaging to remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. It is less invasive than a surgical biopsy, leaves little to no scarring and can be an excellent way to evaluate calcium deposits or tiny masses that are not visible on an ultrasound.
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue or cells. In an ultrasound-guided biopsy, a radiologist uses ultrasound imaging as a tool to locate the lump or abnormality being biopsied. The sample is then examined under a microscope to aid in diagnosis.

To schedule a mammogram, call our scheduling team at (877) 331-7007.

Our Dense Breast Program identifies women with dense breast tissue, which can only be determined by mammograms. Because dense breast tissue can make some cancers difficult to find, the Dense Breast Program offers specialized breast imaging, including:

• Automated breast ultrasound system
• Breast MRI
• Digital 3D mammography
• Image-guided breast biopsy
• Molecular breast imaging

This program is designed around advanced technology to improve breast cancer detection. You will be informed of your level of breast density at the time you receive your result and are provided a recommended surveillance plan.

To learn more or ask as other questions you may have, talk to a breast health specialist by calling (561) 548-1578.

A screening mammogram is performed to detect breast cancer in women without symptoms of breast cancer.

A diagnostic mammogram may be performed when a woman has breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump or breast pain. It may also be performed as a follow-up exam for an abnormal screening mammogram.

This type of mammogram uses special positioning and angles to show fine details within the breast tissue.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your mammogram:

• Schedule your mammogram after your menstrual cycle, when the breasts are less sensitive.
• Wear a two-piece outfit to your appointment, so you can easily remove your top for the exam.
• Do not apply deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under the arms or near the breasts the day of your exam.
• Tell your provider and your mammographer if there is a chance you may be pregnant.

HCA Florida takes a team approach to care, meaning we have breast health specialists from various medical disciplines within our breast care program. This ensures we can provide comprehensive care, regardless of your diagnosis.

Our breast care teams include:

• Breast surgeons
• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Radiology technicians
• Surgical oncologists