Breast Screening & Diagnosis

Breast cancer screening tests and diagnostic tests serve different purposes.

• Screening tests detect possible signs of breast cancer in patients who aren’t already showing symptoms.
• Diagnostic tests examine the breast tissue more closely. They are usually done after a screening test shows abnormal results.

We know it can be scary to wait for test results. You’ll receive your imaging exam results within two business days of your appointment. You also can view your test results in our Patient Portal.

If your screening did not reveal any abnormalities, we’ll recommend future screenings. An abnormal mammogram does not always mean cancer. If needed, your breast health care team will provide you with a complete treatment plan within seven to 10 days after your initial diagnosis.

We offer state-of-the-art 3D mammography for all our patients. 3D mammography is the most advanced technology for breast screenings. It offers the most accurate results and reduces the need for breast biopsies.

Anna Jaques Hospital offers state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic technology for breast cancer detection:

• 3D-guided breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses X-ray imaging to help physicians take tissue samples from abnormalities in the breast. This technology allows for needle biopsy of lesions that would have previously either not been possible or would have required open surgical biopsy.
• 3D whole breast ultrasound takes three-dimensional pictures of the entire breast. It supplements mammograms in women who have a high risk for breast cancer. It is also beneficial for women who have dense breasts. Dense breast tissue requires advanced imaging capabilities to get a clear picture.
• Breast MRI produces incredibly sharp images that allow health care providers to detect very small cancers in women at high risk for breast cancer.
• Minimally invasive breast biopsy, guided by ultrasound or MRI, removes a small sample of tissue if an abnormality is detected. The sample is then tested to determine if it is benign or cancerous.