Blog - Breast Center Maple Grove

How to Prepare for Your Mammogram

April 19, 2015 by Administrator

You scheduled your mammogram—great job! A mammogram is an incredibly valuable screening exam that can help find cancers at their earliest and most treatable stages.

What you need to know to be prepared for your exam:

Bring prior exams
If you’ve had a previous mammogram at a different office, ensure that those images have been sent to our office or bring them with you to your appointment.

Don’t wear deodorant, lotions, or perfumes
Deodorants, lotions or perfumes on your neck and chest could show up as shadows in your mammogram images. Those shadows could mimic suspicious findings or make an actual abnormality more difficult to see.

Schedule your mammogram the week after your period
Your breasts tend to be less tender during the week after your period. Your breasts are usually most tender the week before and the week during your period.

Don’t wear jewelry
You will need to remove your jewelry—especially earrings and necklaces—before the exam. It’s best not to wear jewelry so you don’t have to worry about storing it or losing it.

Wear no-fuss clothes
Choose clothes that are easy to take on and off and be sure to wear a two-piece outfit so you can remove just the top portion for your exam.

About the mammogram procedure

The entire mammogram procedure will take about 30 minutes. The technologist will help you get into the proper position and then each breast will be compressed for about 30 seconds. Compressing the breasts allows the mammogram machine to capture the most breast tissue possible on the images. This usually produces only mild discomfort for most women. However, if you’re concerned, it may help to take an over-the-counter pain medication about an hour before your appointment. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, call the experts at The Breast Center of Maple Grove. Our staff will be happy to provide any information you need.

Breast Biopsies Explained

March 31, 2015 by Administrator

A biopsy is needed when a suspicious abnormality is found that can’t be diagnosed with medical imaging alone. According to the American Cancer Society, most breast biopsy results are not cancer; however, it is still a nerve-wracking experience for most patients. Here, we explain some of the most common biopsy procedures and what you can expect.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

A stereotactic breast biopsy uses a special mammography machine to help pinpoint the specific abnormality within the breast. The patient lies face down on the table with the affected breast hanging through an opening in the table. Local anesthetic is then used to numb the appropriate site before a needle is inserted into the abnormality and a tissue sample is removed. A vacuum-assisted device may be used; it collects tissue samples from multiple areas during just one needle insertion.

Core Needle Biopsy

During a core needle biopsy, the radiologist will use ultrasound guidance to find the exact location of the mass. Local anesthetic is used to numb the breast area. The radiologist continues to use ultrasound to guide the insertion of the hollow core biopsy needle into the mass and obtain multiple samples of tissue.

Breast Cyst Aspirations

A cyst aspiration is performed to obtain a sample of fluid from a fluid-filled cyst. Patients lie on their back or side. Ultrasound-guidance is used to find the exact location of the cyst. Local anesthesia is given to numb the breast area then a needle is inserted to drain & obtain a sample of the fluid. Cyst fluid is usually not sent for cytology unless it contains blood.

After the Procedure

These minimally invasive procedures carry very few risks and allow most patients to return to normal activities the same day or the following day. We recommend avoiding any strenuous upper body activities for 24 hours to allow for uninterrupted healing time. Most biopsies are completed within an hour and require no stitches. Results are usually available in 48 hours and our breast center patient navigator will call you with your results once pathology has been completed.

If you have questions about breast imaging or biopsies, please call the experts at The Breast Center of Maple Grove. Our experienced radiologists and staff can perform your exam in our relaxing and comfortable environment.

What is the BRCA gene test and should you get one?

March 12, 2015 by Administrator

The BRCA gene test is a blood test that analyzes DNA to find mutations in either of the breast cancer genes—BRCA1 and BRCA2. The BRCA gene test will provide an estimate of a patient’s personal risk of breast and ovarian cancer. If a mutation is present in either one of these genes, a patient’s risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer is significantly increased compared to women without the mutations.

Who should get the BRCA gene test

The BRCA gene test is usually reserved for people who are likely to have an inherited mutation, based on personal or family history, or people who already have specific types of cancer. It is not normally given to women with an average risk of breast or ovarian cancer.

You might be a candidate for BRCA gene testing if you have:

Personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
Family history or breast or ovarian cancer
A relative with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer

How the BRCA gene test is performed

The BRCA gene test requires a simple blood draw, and carries very minimal risk, but preparation is important. Most experts recommend meeting with a genetic counselor first, who will determine if the BRCA gene test is right for you. The counselor will take a detailed family and medical history, tell you about the risks and benefits of the test, and help you understand your options.

The best defense against breast cancer

Whether or not you take the BRCA test, the best defense is regular breast exams, which can help detect cancers in early and more treatable stages. Perform self-breast exams at home and schedule your screening exam regularly, as instructed by your doctor.

Breast imaging at The Breast Center of Maple Grove

Maple Grove Breast Center offers a variety of breast imaging exams to meet the needs of all patients. Same day appointments and walk-ins are welcome in our relaxing and comfortable office.

What are dense breasts?

Breasts are made up of fat, ducts, glandular tissue, breast tissue, and connective tissue. Dense breasts have more breast and connective issue compared to fat. Less dense breasts have more fat compared to breast and connective tissue.

How do I know if I have dense breasts?

In Minnesota, and many other states, patients that receive a mammogram must be told if they have dense breasts. Breast density is diagnosed through medical imaging and can be broken into 4 categories ranging from extremely dense tissue to very little dense tissue. Both dense and non-dense breasts are common. In fact, about 40% of women have some dense breast tissue.

Why does breast density matter?

Simply put, it can be more difficult to see cancer on a mammogram image of a dense breast. Fatty tissue (which is more common in less dense breasts) looks black on a mammogram image. Dense breast tissue looks white. Abnormalities and cancers also appear white. Sometimes, abnormalities and cancers can “hide” behind the dense breast tissue. Those same abnormalities and cancers would likely be more visible against the black background of a less-dense breast.

Should I still get a mammogram if I have dense breasts?

Yes! Mammograms have been proven to save the lives of women with all types of breast density. Screening mammograms are the gold standard in early breast cancer detection. If you have dense breasts, talk with your doctor about secondary screening tests that can provide additional views of breast tissue, which may include Breast MRI, Breast Ultrasound, or Breast Tomosynthesis.

What else can I do to help prevent breast cancer?

Women of all ages should conduct a monthly self-breast exam. Breast health isn’t something to think about just once a year when you make your mammogram appointment. It’s important to check yourself regularly and tell your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts.

Screening Mammogram Callbacks

February 1, 2015 by Administrator

You had your regular mammogram just like every other year. But this time, the office called and asked you to come back for additional testing. We understand you might feel scared. It’s normal to be nervous about what happens next. But when you know what to expect, it might help you stay calm.

What does a mammogram callback mean?

A patient is called back for additional testing because the doctor wants to get a closer look at a particular area of the breast. It doesn’t mean that something is definitely wrong. In fact, almost 90% of mammogram callbacks turn out to be nothing. But we believe that when it comes to cancer detection, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Understanding your screening mammogram results

The following terms might appear on your mammogram, and they’re all completely normal.

Calcifications are simply calcium deposits. They are very common, especially after menopause. Calcifications are usually too small to feel in a breast exam. On a mammogram, they look like small white spots.
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are also quite common, especially in women before menopause. Cysts are usually non-cancerous (benign) and don’t require any treatment unless they cause discomfort for the patient.
Breast Density – In Minnesota, and many other states, patients must be told if they have dense breasts. Breast density can be broken into 4 categories ranging from extremely dense tissue to very little dense tissue. Dense breast tissue is common and not necessarily a problem, however it could make it more difficult to pick up small cancers on your screening mammogram. If you have dense breasts, talk to your doctor about your screening options.
BI-RADS – This stands for Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System, a widely accepted quality assurance tool used by most breast imagers. BI-RADS uses pre-defined categories to standardize reporting across the country. You can read more about BI-RADS categories here.

Additional testing

When you come in for additional testing, a diagnostic mammogram will be performed. A diagnostic mammogram is different than a screening mammogram. A screening mammogram provides an overall view of the breast to check for concerning areas. A diagnostic mammogram allows the doctor to view one specific location in great detail and from multiple angles. A diagnostic mammogram is performed just like a screening mammogram except the technologist is focused on obtaining the best images of a particular area.

You may also receive an ultrasound, a painless imaging exam that allows your doctor to see your breast tissue in another way.

If imaging tests are not conclusive, your doctor might also schedule a biopsy. During a biopsy, a very fine needle is inserted into the breast to remove tissue, which will be tested for cancer. Although most biopsies come back negative, it’s important to be sure.

Continue to receive yearly mammograms

The doctors at Maple Grove Breast Center strongly recommended that all women receive a screening mammogram each year from age 40. However, it’s always best to talk with your doctor to decide what’s best for you. Screening mammograms help doctors to detect small cancers early, when they are easiest to treat. If you or someone you know has not yet had their yearly mammogram, make an appointment at Maple Grove Breast Center today. We offer same-day appointments and walk-ins are always welcome.