At Miami Women’s Health, the goal of breast cancer screening is to identify cancer early, when it can be most effectively treated. The most important benefit of early detection is the improved chance of recovery.
Early detection can also help you require less extensive treatment and experience less side effects.
Dr. Gari and Dr. Duarte follow the current recommendations of the American Cancer Society. The recommendations direct women to become familiar with how their breasts appear and feel. Women should report any changes in appearance to their doctor, such as a lump as soon as possible.
The doctors also advise having a mammogram—which is an X-ray test considered the very best imaging test for breast cancer screening. Women can begin screens annually starting at age 40. Women older than 55 can choose to have a mammogram every two years or continue with annual breast screening. Mammograms are the main test used to screen for breast cancer, but other test can be given.
Dr. Gari and Dr. Duarte can recommend a personalized breast screening plan based on your risk of developing breast cancer. They will take into account factors such as your family history and whether you have a genetic mutations associated with cancer. If the doctor determines you are at risk, they may recommend having further tests before the age of 40.
We offer a wide range of breast imaging tests at several locations throughout Miami.
Breast Screening Tests
Results of your imaging tests are available soon after your appointment. This ensures that any additional testing and breast cancer treatment can begin right away.
MAMMOGRAM
A mammogram, which is an X-ray image of the breasts, is the best option currently for breast cancer screening.
During a mammogram, your breasts are softly compressed in between two plates that are connected to a mammography unit, an X-ray machine designed especially for mammograms. The mammography unit flattens the breast tissue allowing the tumors to be more visible. The X-ray technician takes multiple two-dimensional images of the breasts.
At Miami Women’s Health, mammographic images are converted to digital images and stored on a computer. This allows doctors to magnify the images and better visualize the images. The doctors look for suspicious growths or calcium deposits, which may be a sign of breast cancer.
3D MAMMOGRAM
During a 3D mammogram, better known as breast tomosynthesis, X-ray images are taken from various positions to create a 3D image of the breast instead of 2D images taken during a normal mammogram.
The benefits of 3D Mammograms are currently being researched. This approach can help physicians find suspicious growths, especially in women with “dense” breasts, which contain more fibrous tissue than fatty tissue. While this is normal, it can make breast cancer difficult to detect on traditional mammograms.
ULTRASOUND OF THE BREAST
Breast Ultrasound can be very helpful in determining if a mass is solid or filled with liquid, otherwise known as cystic. Ultrasound is often combined with a mammogram in women who have dense breasts.
MRI OF THE BREAST
In an MRI, a magnetic field and radio waves are used to produce computerized, 3D images of the breast. Miami Women’s Health doctors may suggest a breast MRI if mammogram images are not clear or for women at high risk of developing breast cancer.
Contact our office to schedule your Breast Screening consultation today.