Breast Cancer Screenings

Screening is important, and the OU Breast Institute provides state-of-the-art digital mammography with computer-assisted detection.

Studies show that digital mammography improves detection of cancer in young women and in those with dense breast tissue. During digital mammography, images of the breast are captured and displayed on a computer monitor rather than by X-ray film. This allows for the enhancement of image quality and magnification of specific areas of the breast. We utilize a computer-aided detection (CAD) system to detect tumors at their earliest stages. This system may also detect a significant number of additional cancers early.

If a mammogram indicates a concern, we will conduct additional testing, including biopsy, on the same day and provide results typically within 24 to 48 hours.

Our Diagnostic Services

• Digital screening mammography
  
• Digital diagnostic mammography – to evaluate an abnormality detected by physical exam or a routine screening mammogram
  
• Ultrasound -- to examine lumps in further detail if they are originally detected during a screening mammogram, clinical breast exam or breast self exam. Our ultrasound equipment utilizes state-of-the-art high frequency broadband equipment
  
• Stereotactic breast biopsy – small samples of your breast tissue are taken using a core needle device guided to area of concern through stereotactic imaging and computer guidance
  
• Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy -- a highly accurate way to evaluate suspicious masses within the breast using a technologically advanced core needle device. This procedure prevents the need to remove tissue surgically, and requires no exposure to radiation
  
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) –uses magnetic and pulsed radiofrequency waves to image the breast without using radiation; used to evaluate breast cancer, problem cases, high risk and implants

We are the only facility in Oklahoma to attain accreditation in all three of these service areas: mammography, breast ultrasound and stereotactic biopsy from the American College of Radiology. These accreditations mean we've met the toughest criteria for accuracy and quality in use of the technology.

For women at high-risk for breast cancer, we offer these diagnostic services:

• Fine needle aspiration – using a fine needle biopsy to extract cells from a suspicious mass in the breast
  
• Ductal lavage -- pioneered by an OU Breast Institute surgical oncologist, this is a minimally invasive procedure used to identify increased breast cancer risk by collecting cells from the breast to search for atypical cellular changes
  
• Ductal endoscopy -- procedure that helps doctors see breast tumors at their earliest stage