Breast Care
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. AllianceHealth Oklahoma provides helpful services to educate women on breast health, and encourage self-exams and routine screenings. We utilize imaging technology that may detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective. The combination of caring technologists and imaging technology allows us to deliver quality care.
Digital Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. AllianceHealth Oklahoma offers digital imaging technology for mammograms. With digital technology, radiologists can zoom in on particular areas or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately. It offers numerous benefits to women, including:
-
Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
-
Less radiation exposure.
-
Greater image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams.
Breast Utrasound
A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate an abnormality found during a mammogram. Ultrasound allows doctors to see the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see using mammography. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass.
Dense Breast Tissue
While mammography detects cancer better in fatty breasts, as breast density increases, the ability of a mammogram to detect cancer is reduced. According to research, up to 40 percent of breast cancer goes undetected by mammography in women with dense breasts, as density hides the appearance of tumors. Your doctor can determine your breast density from your mammogram. If you have dense breasts, you may need additional tests after your mammogram. Talk to your doctor about your breast density and ask if additional testing may be right for you. If you find out you have dense breast tissue, talk to your doctor about your specific risk and additional screening tests that might be appropriate. This may include a 3D breast ultrasound*, which has been proven to increase cancer detection for women with dense breasts.
*3D breast ultrasounds are only available at AllianceHealth Durant