About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death among women. For women in the U.S, breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer except lung cancer. Early detection remains the key to successful treatment. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend that women should begin having annual mammograms at 40 years old.
Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM)
Digital mammography is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breast. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancer, showing changes in the breast before a patient or physician can feel them. Research has shown that yearly mammograms can lead to early detection of breast cancers when they are most curable and with the best treatment options. Mammography is the only screening tool that has been shown to reduce deaths from breast cancer.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
Ochsner now also offers Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT, also called 3D Mammography) at most Ochsner locations, and is used with a traditional digital mammogram as part of your routine exam. DBT is an advanced form of breast imaging where multiple images of the breast tissue are captured from different angles and reconstructed into a three-dimensional data set. DBT allows the radiologist to view a series of thin “slices” or “layers” through the breast tissue to better see fine details, which are no longer hidden by overlying tissue. Large studies have shown that doing screening mammograms with DBT results in improved breast cancer detection and fewer “call backs” from screening for a potentially abnormal finding.
Breast Imaging
Our Breast Imaging Radiologists have special interest in and years of experience with the diagnosis of breast disease.
Our collaborative approach enables Ochsner to provide our patients not only diagnostic studies and breast procedures of the highest quality, but also easy access to all the specialists involved in breast care. A full range of state-of-the-art breast imaging services are offered including:
- Full Field Digital Screening & Diagnostic Mammography
- Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Outpatient Stereotactic, Ultrasound, and MRI Guided Core Needle biopsy
- Cyst aspiration
- Pre-operative needle localization
The Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center at Ochsner was established to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to the detection and treatment of breast cancer. The Center is committed to providing women who experience breast problems with a swift diagnosis in a state-of-the-art facility staffed by a concerned, understanding and compassionate team of breast care specialists.
At the Center, both surgeons and radiologists are involved in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Working in close proximity, their diagnostic abilities are synergistic and efficient, offering together what neither could offer alone.
In addition, a surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist make up each treatment team. Working together, these specialists decide on the treatment course that best meets the needs of each patient.
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