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Learn about the services and technology offered at Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land as well as what sets us apart from other Breast Care Centers.
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LEADING BREAST CANCER IMAGING.LEADING TO A CURE.HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital would like to thank the ladies of the Fort Bend Junior Service League for their part in our breast cancer awareness efforts, as well as their continuing commitment to our community.
H O U S T O N M E T H O D I S T . O R G / S U G A R L A N D
1
Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land offers women a lifesaving difference.
We’ve all been told about the importance of yearly mammograms. What’s of equal
importance, however, is where you have your mammogram. The Breast Care
Center is the leading breast imaging facility in Fort Bend County. Staffed by
renowned breast radiologists, the Breast Care Center offers women some of the
best diagnostic services available.
If your care extends beyond your yearly mammogram, our breast care navigator
will be there to guide you through the emotional and complex journey from
diagnosis to survivorship — so that you can focus on healing.
IT MATTERS WHERE YOU HAVE YOUR MAMMOGRAM
You don’t have to go through treatment feelingalone or uncertain — call our breast care navigator at 281.276.8989.
HOUSTON METHODIST.ORG/ SUGARLAN D
HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
Our breast care navigator will help you:1. Understand the continuum of care, which generally begins with
discussions of your exam findings and your different procedure options.
2. Make appropriate decisions by ensuring that you are educated and fully
understand each of your options.
3. Feel empowered in your care through participation in support groups
such as Survivors Offering Support, CanCare,® the American Cancer
Society and others.
In addition, our breast care navigator will facilitate your various appointments
with the proper Breast Care Center physicians, as well as coordinate other
health appointment needs that may arise during your care. Our breast
care navigator will attend weekly patient case review sessions where a
multidisciplinary breast care team discusses your personalized treatment plan,
so that she knows exactly how your care is proceeding and what steps
may be next.
2
If you have had a mammogram at another facility, please let us know at the time you schedule your appointment, and we will help you obtain your prior films.
HO USTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CENTER AT SUGA R L A ND
HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND
3
The findings are interpreted by some of the foremost breast radiologists in the country.
The Breast Care Center is the first full-service center of its kind in Fort Bend
County. Women can rely on the Breast Care Center for state-of-the-art
technology, compassionate care, and a commitment to maintaining the very
latest in diagnostic and treatment technology. By employing groundbreaking
advances in both technology and practices, the breast radiologists at the
Breast Care Center are able to more quickly and accurately make a diagnosis.
Your test results are electronically archived for use as a benchmark for
subsequent years and are available upon request. If you have had a
mammogram at another facility, please let us know at the time you schedule
your appointment, and we will help you obtain your prior films. The Breast
Care Center radiologists can better interpret any abnormalities based on a
complete history of your mammograms.
State-of-the-Art Breast Cancer Diagnostics
• Digital Mammography • 3-D Mammography• Breast Ultrasound• Breast MRI
• Molecular Breast Imaging • MRI Guided Biopsy• Ultrasound Biopsy• Stereotactic Biopsy
See inserts in the back pocket of this brochure for more details on these services.
YOUR MAMMOGRAM IS PERFORMED WITH THE LATEST IMAGING TECHNOLOGY
HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
HOUSTON METHODIST.ORG/ SUGARLAN D
4
BREAST CARE CENTER MEDICAL DIRECTORDr. Stephen Phillips, medical director of the Houston
Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land, joined
us from the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
Minnesota. He is board certified in diagnostic
radiology and fellowship trained in breast imaging
and intervention. He is a Fellow of the American
College of Radiology and has a long history of
teaching, researching and writing for medical journals
on breast radiology.
Dr. Stephen PhillipsBreast Radiologist
"We provide the latest breast imaging technology and diagnostic procedures — all here under one roof. We have options available to us that other imaging centers don't, and together with our breast care team and our patients, we decide on the course of action that is best for each patient's individual needs."
- Dr. Stephen Phillips
HO USTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CENTER AT SUGA R L A ND
HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND
5HOUSTON METHODIST.ORG/ SUGARLAN D
HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
IF YOUR MAMMOGRAM IS ABNORMAL...
IF BREAST CANCER IS DETECTED…
IF RADIATION IS REQUIRED…
In the event an abnormality is found in your mammogram, the Houston Methodist Breast
Care Center at Sugar Land is the best place to be. Any further testing can be completed
at the Breast Care Center, freeing you from the stress of having to visit several different
facilities. Our breast radiologists will supervise the diagnostic evaluation and perform
image-guided core needle biopsies, if necessary.
Rest assured, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers Fort Bend County the only
full-service oncology program. If breast cancer is detected, our breast care navigator
will coordinate your care and schedule your appointments with the appropriate specialists
on our breast care team, including breast surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, oncologists
and radiation oncologists. Our breast care team members will work closely with each other
to ensure continuity of care.
Our renowned radiation oncologist relies on the latest technology and innovations to
tailor a treatment program for each patient. For some patients, high-dose-rate (HDR)
brachytherapy reduces the time needed for treatment to five days rather than six weeks.
This therapy uses strategically placed catheters to deliver precise levels of radiation
directly to the tumor site, which also helps protect surrounding breast tissue.
Other leading-edge therapies available are intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
and TrueBeam. IMRT is an advanced mode of high-precision radiotherapy that utilizes
computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses. TrueBeam treats
cancer faster, deals effectively with tumor motion and improves the patient experience.
TrueBeam imaging technology can produce the three-dimensional images used to fine-tune
tumor targeting in 60 percent less time.
Emotional Support
The Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land offers a
number of support services for patients and their families who have been
diagnosed and are undergoing breast cancer treatment.
• Survivors Offering Support
Helps women understand that breast cancer affects them emotionally
and spiritually as well as physically, and provides a road map for
achieving a happier, healthier future after cancer.
For more information, please contact the Department of Spiritual Care
at 281.274.7164.
• Look Good…Feel Better
Teaches female cancer patients beauty tips to look better and feel good
about themselves during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
• Reach to Recovery
Provides a breast cancer survivor volunteer who gives comfort and
facilitates informed decision-making for those going through treatment.
For more information on Look Good...Feel Better or Reach to Recovery,
please contact the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Cancer Center
at 281.242.CURE (2873) or the American Cancer Society
at 1.800.227.2345.
• CanCare
The patient is matched with a CanCare volunteer who has
experienced the same type of cancer for one-on-one
emotional support.
For more information, please visit cancare.org or call 713.461.0028.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
SEEKING A SECOND OPINION
MAKING THE DECISION
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital holds weekly case reviews with a
multidisciplinary breast care team including breast radiologists, pathologists, breast
surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologist, reconstructive surgeons and the
breast care navigator. During a case review, the breast care team discusses newly
diagnosed patients and creates personalized treatment plans. This service provides
our patients with the comfort of knowing that they are being cared for by a team of
specialized physicians who truly care.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer by another facility and are seeking
a second opinion, we are here for you. When you request a second opinion at the
Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land, our breast care navigator will
schedule a consultation with a member of our breast care team. To schedule your
consultation now, contact the breast care navigator at 281.276.8989.
Choosing the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land for your
breast care means that regardless of your stage, your care will be delivered with
your total well-being as the main focus. All the while, you can take advantage
of the conveniences of care close to home with state-of-the-art technology and
designated, free parking.
HO USTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CENTER AT SUGA R L A ND
6 HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND
SCHEDULE NOWYour annual mammogram is an important screening tool — and it does make a difference where you have it done. Easily schedule your screening mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 281.242.PINK (7465).
7HOUSTON METHODIST.ORG/ SUGARLAN D
HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
MammographyThere are two types of mammograms:
• Screening Mammogram - Used for women who have no personal history of
breast cancer and have normal physical exams.
• Diagnostic Mammogram - Recommended for patients who have an area
of concern or suspicious change in their clinical exam or have a personal
history of breast cancer.
3-D Mammography 3-D Mammography utilizes advanced tomosynthesis technology improving the
ability to detect cancer at the earliest stages, while using the lowest radiation
exposure available in the market. 3-D can be used for both screening and
diagnostic mammograms.
If you have had a mammogram at another facility, please let us know
when you schedule your appointment, and we will help you obtain your
prior films. The Breast Care Center radiologists can better interpret
any abnormalities based on a complete history of your mammograms.
UltrasoundA breast ultrasound is performed if a lump or area of concern is identified on a
mammogram. The breast ultrasound helps the radiologist determine if a lump is
filled with water, which is a cyst, or is solid tissue. If the lump is identified as solid,
a biopsy may be needed. Though ultrasounds are helpful, they do not replace
mammograms, as most early cancer identifiers are not visible with ultrasound.
Breast MRIA breast MRI is a very sensitive test used to look for breast cancer by using
magnetic fields instead of radiation to look inside the body. Patients with a
high risk of breast cancer, newly diagnosed breast cancer or those who have
questionable findings from a complex mammogram are candidates for a
breast MRI.
Molecular Breast ImagingMolecular breast imaging (MBI) is an imaging technique that can identify
tumors in mammographically dense breasts often not visible with digital
mammography or ultrasound. Mammography uses X-ray technology, so the
images of both tumors and dense breast tissue often appear white. Clinical
studies show that MBI allows differentiation of the tumor and is able to detect
up to three times as many cancers in women with dense breast tissue. The
radiation dose is roughly equivalent to digital mammography.
BiopsyA breast biopsy is performed based on the abnormal findings from a
mammogram, ultrasound or MRI. The type of biopsy performed in most cases
is a core needle biopsy. The procedure involves removing small pieces of the
tissue with a needle. Similar needles are used for all image guided biopsies.
There are several types of core needle biopsies:
• Stereotactic Biopsy - Used when suspicious areas are visible in a
mammogram. This type of biopsy is guided by 2-D digital X-ray.
• 3-D Stereotactic Biopsy - Used when suspicious areas are visible in a
mammogram. This type of biopsy is guided by 3-D tomosynthesis imaging.
• Ultrasound Biopsy - Used when suspicious areas are visible with
ultrasound. This type of biopsy is guided by ultrasound.
• MRI Guided Biopsy - At times, a cancerous area will show up on a breast
MRI that is not seen by mammogram or ultrasound. In those cases, an MRI
guided biopsy is necessary to obtain a sample of the tissue for
further examination.
Easily schedule your screening mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or by calling 281.242. PINK (7465).
HO USTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CENTER AT SUGA R L A ND
8 HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND
STATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICES
Mammography• When should I get my first mammogram?
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other medical
groups recommend that women with an average risk of breast cancer begin annual
mammograms at age 40 and continue as long as the individual is in relatively good
health. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast examination as part
of a routine physical every three years. At 40 years of age and thereafter, clinical breast
examinations should be done annually.
Women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss screening options
with their physician. However, many breast specialists are recommending that women
with a strong family history of cancer begin annual screenings at an earlier age
with a breast ultrasound or MRI in addition to regular mammograms. Breast self-
examinations should be performed regularly, such as monthly, starting at age 20.
• Are there different types of mammograms, and which one should I have?
There are two types of mammograms, screening and diagnostic. The type of
mammogram that is best for you depends on your medical history and breast symptoms.
The Breast Care Center only utilizes state-of-the-art digital mammography. This
means that the X-ray taken of the breast is captured by a computer. Studies show that
digital mammography is better than conventional film mammography, particularly for
women with dense breasts.
Easily schedule your screening mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or by calling 281.242. PINK (7465).
Schedule your diagnostic mammogram and/or breast ultrasound by calling 281.242.PINK (7465).
HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
Screening Mammogram A screening mammogram is used to detect breast cancer in women who have no
personal history of breast cancer and have a normal clinical breast exam. The screening
consists of two to three X-rays of each breast taken by a certified mammography
technologist and interpreted by breast radiologists.
Diagnostic MammogramA diagnostic mammogram is recommended for patients who have noticed an area of
concern or suspicious change in the clinical examination of the breast, have had an
abnormal screening mammogram or have a personal history of breast cancer. If your doctor
has noticed a change in your breast clinical exam, a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound
will be ordered to clarify the finding and determine if a biopsy is needed.
3-D Mammography3-D mammography utilizes advanced tomosynthesis technology improving the ability to
detect cancer at the earliest stages, while using the lowest radiation exposure available
in the market. GeniusTM 3-D Mammography is the first and only clinically superior
3-D mammography approved by the FDA, providing clearer images, more accurate
screenings and reducing the number of false positives.
MAMMOGRAPHY & BREAST ULTRASOUND
• How should I prepare for my mammogram?
On the day of your mammogram you should make sure not to use any deodorant,
powder or lotion of any kind under your arms or on your breasts, as the chemicals
from these products can interfere with the reading. It is important for the radiologist
to compare your current mammogram with any previous studies. If you have had
mammograms at another facility, please bring them with you at the time of your
appointment or let us know at the time you schedule your appointment, and we
will help you obtain your prior films. Some cancers are very hard to see in a single
mammogram and may only become visible if the previous image is available for
comparison. The mammogram itself involves compression. If you have very sensitive
breasts, try to avoid scheduling your mammogram the week before your period
because that is when breasts are most sensitive.
Breast Ultrasound• What is a breast ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound helps the radiologist determine if a lump or mass is filled with
fluid or is solid tissue. Masses that are clearly filled with fluid are called cysts and are
usually not cancer. If the lump looks like it is solid, a biopsy may be needed to make
the final diagnosis.
Ultrasounds involve skin contact with gel and a transducer. There is no breast
compression, and most women find the procedure painless. Ultrasounds can be very
helpful, but they do not take the place of mammography. Most early cancers that are
visible as micro-calcifications in the mammogram, for example, will not be visible with
the ultrasound.
For all new breast imaging patients: If you have had a mammogram at another
facility, please let us know at the time you schedule your appointment, and we will
help you obtain your prior films. The Breast Care Center radiologists can better
interpret any abnormalities based on a complete history of your mammograms.
Easily schedule your screening mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or by calling 281.242. PINK (7465).Schedule your diagnostic mammogram and/or breast ultrasound by calling 281.242.PINK (7465).
MAMMOGRAPHY & BREAST ULTRASOUND HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
Breast MRI• What is a breast MRI and what should I expect?
MRI is an imaging technique that uses magnetic fields instead of radiation to
look inside the body. During your breast MRI, you will be asked to lie face down
with your breasts placed in openings in the table. A contrast material is injected
through a vein. The exam generally lasts between 30 minutes and one hour, and
both breasts are examined simultaneously. It is very important to stay still during
the MRI for an accurate reading. If you are claustrophobic, you can ask your
referring physician about a mild sedative that may help make the procedure more
comfortable. There is only a small amount of breast compression applied to the
breast to prevent motion during an MRI procedure. The amount of compression is
significantly less than mammography, and most patients are comfortable throughout
the procedure.
• When will my doctor ask for a breast MRI?
The indications for breast MRI are constantly changing as more data becomes
available. In addition to being used as a better tool for breast cancer detection
in patients with high risk for breast cancer, this technique can be used to help
identify questionable findings arising from a complex mammogram or physical exam.
Young women who have certain genetic mutations may have improved detection
of early cancers with breast MRI rather than mammography. Breast MRI is useful
for deciding treatment in women who have already been diagnosed with cancer,
patients with very dense breast tissue and those with a strong family history of
breast cancer.
Women at high risk (greater than 20 percent lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year.
If you have questions or concerns about your procedure, please contact the Breast Care Center nurse at 281.275.0106, or to schedule an appointment, call 281.242.PINK (7465).
BREAST MRI & MRI GUIDED BIOPSY HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
BREAST MRI & MRI GUIDED BIOPSY
• Why do I need an MRI guided biopsy, and what should I expect?
MRI is a very sensitive test to look for breast cancer. Sometimes cancer will show
up in a breast MRI that is not seen in the mammogram or ultrasound. In these
cases, the only way to take a biopsy (sample the tissue from the lump) is to guide a
needle into the lesion using an MRI. MRI biopsy is a type of core needle biopsy (see
stereotactic insert for more information about core needle biopsies).
The procedure is performed while lying on the stomach. Once the radiologist
identifies the finding, a computer program is used to determine the position of the
needle in the breast. The breast radiologist administers local anesthesia, makes a
small cut in the skin, and places the needle in the area of concern to withdraw the
tissue to sample the lump. The removed tissue is sent to the laboratory where a
pathologist will examine it and determine the diagnosis. Usually the radiologist will
leave a small metal clip in the area of the biopsy. The clip helps identify the mass in
future mammograms. Also, if the lump is a small cancer, the clip helps the surgeon
find and remove this small area accurately.
• What can I expect after the biopsy procedure?
You will be instructed to keep the breast area dry for 24 hours. Strenuous activity
such as heavy lifting or aerobic activity should be avoided during this time. Most
women find that they can resume their normal activities the day after the procedure.
It is important to carefully follow the post-procedure instructions so that any
circumstances specific to you will be taken care of properly. In order to reduce
the amount of bruising, which is common in this procedure, the nurse will apply
pressure to the biopsy site at the conclusion of the procedure. You will be instructed
to place ice on your breast at intervals throughout the remainder of the day. As with
any needle procedure, bleeding and infection at the biopsy site can occur, so be
sure to follow all instructions carefully.
The pathology report is usually ready in a few days after the biopsy. This report will
be sent to your referring physician and breast radiologist. Your physician or breast
radiologist will call you with the results, ask how you are healing, and answer any
questions or concerns you might have.
• Will the magnetic field interact with anything on or in my body?
The magnet used in breast MRI can interfere with metal objects in your body.
Patients should make sure to alert the technologist before the procedure if they
have a/an:
• Artificial heart valve • Joint prosthesis
• Implanted drug infusion port • Implanted nerve stimulator
• Infusion catheter • Metal pins
• IUD • Screws, plates or surgical staples
• Artificial limb • Clip for brain aneurysm
Breast MRI cannot be performed on people who have a/an:
• Internal defibrillator • Implanted electronic device (pacemaker)
• Cochlear implant
Patients are instructed prior to the procedure to remove:
• Jewelry and watches • Removable dental work
• Credit cards • Pens
• Hearing aids • Pocket knives
• Hairpins • Eye glasses
• Metal zippers • Clothing accessories
• How do I schedule a breast MRI or MRI guided biopsy?
If the breast radiologist recommends that you have a breast MRI or MRI guided
biopsy, your referring physician will send orders to the Breast Care Center. Once
these orders are received, a scheduler will contact you to schedule your biopsy and
conduct a pre-procedure phone consultation. The scheduler will give you specific
instructions about what to do before the procedure.
HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
• What is an ultrasound biopsy?
An ultrasound biopsy is a type of core needle biopsy
(see stereotactic insert for more information about
core needle biopsies).
An ultrasound biopsy is done when a lump can be
seen with ultrasound. Usually ultrasound biopsies are
the quickest and easiest of all biopsy procedures. You
will lie on your back or slightly on your side, just as if a
routine ultrasound is being performed.
During an ultrasound biopsy, the radiologist injects
local anesthetic to numb the area. Through a small cut
in the skin, a needle is inserted and pieces of tissue
are removed. This incision is so small that stitches
are unnecessary.
A small metal clip is placed in the area of the
biopsy. The clip helps identify the mass on future
mammograms. Also, if the lump is cancer, the clip
helps the surgeon find and remove this very small
area accurately.
ULTRASOUND BIOPSY HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
Stereotactic Biopsy• What is a stereotactic biopsy?
A stereotactic biopsy is guided by either 3-D tomosynthesis or digital X-ray. It is most
helpful in sampling areas of calcifications that look suspicious on your mammogram.
The 2-D stereotactic biopsy is performed on the prone biopsy table, and the 3-D
tomosynthesis stereotactic biopsy is performed in the upright position. Your breast
will be held in compression during the procedure. It is very important that you take the
time to get comfortable so that you can stay perfectly still, as any movement or talking
can interfere with the biopsy.
During the biopsy, the breast radiologist will inject local anesthetic to numb the area.
A needle is inserted in the breast and pieces of tissue are removed. The skin incision
is so small that stitches are not needed. The breast radiologist will X-ray the tissue
removed to make sure that calcifications have been removed, and will place a tiny clip
marking the biopsy site. The clip will not be seen or felt by you or others and will not
interfere with any of your daily activities. The procedure will generally last 30 minutes
to one hour.
STEREOTACTIC BIOPSY
Core Needle Biopsy• What is a core needle biopsy?
Core needle biopsies include stereotactic biopsies using X-ray, ultrasound biopsies
and MRI guided biopsies. A core needle biopsy is a procedure used to determine
whether a suspicious calcification or lump is cancer. Whether benign or cancerous,
lumps can look similar, and the only way to find out is to remove a piece of the lump
with a biopsy. The tissue removed is then sent to a pathologist who examines it under
a microscope and determines whether or not it is cancerous.
Core needle biopsies are different from surgical biopsies in that only small pieces
of the lump are removed through a very small cut in the skin. Surgical biopsies
usually remove the entire lump through a larger cut in the skin. Needle biopsies are
recommended for suspicious imaging findings. Both types of biopsies have the
same accuracy rate.
If you have questions or concerns about your procedure, please contact the Breast Care Center nurse at 281.275.0106, or to schedule an appointment call, 281.242.PINK (7465).
HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
• What can I expect after my ultrasound biopsy?
You will be instructed to keep the breast area dry for 24 hours. Strenuous
activity such as weight lifting or aerobic activity should be avoided during this
time. Most women find that they can resume their normal activities the next
day. It is important to carefully follow the post-procedure instructions so any
circumstances specific to your case are taken care of properly. It is normal to
have bruising after a breast biopsy. In order to reduce the amount of bruising,
the nurse will apply pressure to the biopsy site at the end of the procedure.
You will be instructed to place ice on your breast at intervals throughout the
remainder of the day. As with any needle procedure, bleeding and infection
at the biopsy site can occur, so be sure to follow all instructions carefully.
Usually the pathology results are ready within a few days. This report will
go to your referring physician and your breast radiologist. Your referring
physician or breast radiologist will call you to inform you of the results, ask
how you are healing, and answer any questions or concerns you might have.
• How do I schedule an ultrasound biopsy?
If the breast radiologist recommends an ultrasound biopsy, your referring
physician will be consulted, after which his/her office will send orders for
the procedure to the Breast Care Center. Once these orders are received,
a scheduler will contact you to schedule your biopsy and conduct a
pre-procedure phone consultation. The scheduler will give you specific
instructions about what to do before the procedure.
ULTRASOUND BIOPSY
If you have questions or concerns about your procedure, please contact the Breast Care Center nurse at 281.275.0106, or to schedule an appointment call, 281.242.PINK (7465).
HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
• What can I expect after my stereotactic biopsy?
You will be instructed to keep the breast area dry for 24 hours after the biopsy. Also,
strenuous activity like weight lifting or aerobic activity should be avoided during this
time. Most women find that they can resume their normal activities the day after the
biopsy procedure. It is important to carefully follow the post-procedure instructions
so that any circumstances specific to you will be taken care of properly. It is normal
to have bruising after a breast biopsy. In order to reduce the amount of bruising, the
nurse will apply pressure to the biopsy site at the end of the procedure. You will be
instructed to place ice on your breast at intervals throughout the remainder of the day.
As with any needle procedure, bleeding and infection at the biopsy site can occur,
so be sure to follow all instructions carefully.
Usually the pathology results are ready within a few days. This report will go to your
referring physician and your breast radiologist. Your referring physician or breast
radiologist will call you to inform you of the results, ask how you are healing, and
answer any questions or concerns you might have.
• How do I schedule a stereotactic biopsy?
If the breast radiologist recommends that you have a stereotactic biopsy, your
referring physician will be consulted, after which his/her office will send orders
for the procedure to the Breast Care Center. Once these orders are received,
a scheduler will contact you to schedule your biopsy and conduct a pre-procedure
phone consultation. The scheduler will give you specific instructions about what to
do before the procedure.
STEREOTACTIC BIOPSY HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
MOLECULAR BREAST IMAGING (MBI) HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
• What is molecular breast imaging?
Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is an imaging technique that can identify tumors
in mammographically dense breasts often not visible with digital mammography or
ultrasound. Mammography uses X-ray technology, so the images of both tumors
and dense breast tissue often appear white. Clinical studies show that MBI allows
differentiation of the tumor and is able to detect up to three times as many cancers in
women with dense breast tissue. The radiation dose is roughly equivalent to
digital mammography.
• When will my doctor ask for molecular breast imaging?
Your physician may recommend molecular breast imaging to help identify
questionable findings arising from a mammogram or if lumps are found with a
physical exam. Women who have dense breast tissue may have improved detection
of early breast cancer with MBI in conjunction with mammography. Breast density can
be determined by your breast radiologist using mammography.
In addition to dense breast tissue, your physician may order MBI if you
meet any of the following:
• You have abnormal findings after a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound
• You are at a high risk for malignancy or for the evaluation of a suspected recurrence
• You have breast implants
• You need to have an MRI but you have an implant such as a pacemaker
• You have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
• You were recently diagnosed with breast cancer
• To assess your response to chemotherapy
• How do I schedule a molecular breast imaging exam?
Your referring physician will write you an order. To schedule your appointment,
call 281.242.PINK (7465).
MOLECULAR BREAST IMAGING (MBI) HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D
• What should I expect during my MBI exam?
You will be injected with a low dose of the MBI radiotracer, which will
accumulate in any tumor that might be present. Your breasts will be imaged
in the standard mammogram positions. Each image takes approximately 10
minutes to acquire. The breast is held in position with gentle compression,
which is much lighter than the compression used for a mammogram, and
you remain seated for the exam. After the images are acquired, they are
interpreted by a board-certified breast radiologist.
Photo comparison of
mammography versus
molecular breast imaging
of a lesion in a patient
with dense breast tissue.
If you have questions or concerns about your procedure, please contact our breast care navigator at 281.276.8989.
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