Detecting breast cancer early when it’s easiest to treat has proven to be key in conquering this disease. Annual screening mammograms and monthly self examinations are an important part of maintaining breast health and early detection. Often during mammograms or an exam, however, suspicious areasare identified and require follow-up testing to diagnose or rule out breast cancer. One of these tests is an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. Saint Joseph Health System recently introduced this capability at the Paqui and Brian Kelly Comprehensive Breast Center(CBC) at Plymouth Medical Center.
“When additional screenings or tests need to be performed, it can be unsettling for many of our patients,” said Dan Kunde, administrator, Plymouth Medical Center. “We want to give our patients access to this level of care and peace of mind.”
During an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, physicians and medical staffuseultrasound technology to pinpoint the location of suspicious cells. Once the cells are located, physicians extract a sample of the tissue with a hollow needle to be examined in a laboratory.While about half of biopsies require surgery for further diagnosis, the remaining half can be performed using ultrasound.
“Removing barriers such as traveling to getting these tests performed is what we are called to do,” added Kunde. “It is important to us to bring care closer to home whenever possible.”
The Paqui and Brian Kelly CBCat Plymouth Medical Center offers 3-D mammography as well as bone density scanning. To find out more about ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, patients should speak with their doctor or call 574.948.4000.
Kelly Skirvin and Michelle Hoffer from SJHS will be our guest on The Morning Chat Wednesday morning at 8:35. Tune in for more information on this new health screening procedure.
