Healthcare: Cancer Care

Early Detection, Same-Day Testing

Master
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Expedited Diagnostic Screening

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Our breast imaging specialists offer same-day testing following abnormal mammography interpretation.

While other centers may have the patient come in for additional testing on multiple days, our breast imaging experts expedite the breast cancer diagnostic process. Our patients can schedule additional follow-up tests, such as ultrasound and biopsy, on the same day—reducing the wait for biopsy results from weeks to a mere few days. In addition to convenience, this more efficient program helps cut down on what can be an emotional and anxiety-filled time for patients navigating through the diagnostic process. Baylor patients are called with biopsy results within two to three days. Our facility has been recognized as an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence since 2008.

We offer the same-day breast imaging service every weekday. For women who choose not to have the same-day service, we offer "screen and go" early morning appointments and evening appointments. You will be contacted with results within one business day.

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Risk Assessments

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While all women are at increasing risk of developing breast cancer with advancing age, some women are at significantly increased risk. This increased risk may result from a personal history of benign breast disease such as atypical hyperplasia, multiple breast biopsies, prolonged hormone replacement therapy or from a family history of breast and ovarian cancer. Identification of these women empowers them and their physicians to develop a personalized risk reduction strategy.

Women who are concerned about their personal risk of developing breast cancer may be counseled by a medical oncologist and a genetics counselor. This consultation will include a formal breast cancer risk assessment, construction of a family tree for assessment of the risk of an inherited susceptibility to breast cancer, recommendations regarding breast cancer screening, discussion of the risks and benefits of tamoxifen as a preventive therapy and other ways to manage risk.

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Diagnostic Evaluation for Breast Cancer

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The Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center features the first all-digital mammography facility in the country, augmented by ultrasound and other imaging modalities. Definitive diagnosis of most breast problems can be made with stereotactic or ultrasound-guided needle biopsy - an accurate and less invasive method. All imaging and biopsy services are available on site.

At the center, pathologists with years of clinical and research experience in breast cancer evaluate biopsy specimens and tissues. Their expert findings guide surgical and medical oncologists in making crucial treatment decisions.

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Comparison of Types of Biopsies
 Open Surgical
Excisional
Open Surgical
Single Insertion/ 
Vacuum Assisted
Needle
Core Needle
Needle
Fine Needle
Aspiration
DescriptionCut is made in the breast to remove the entire tumor.Tissue sample is taken with a needle using gentle suction, which draws, cuts and removes tissue.Tissue sample taken with a needle using a spring-loaded device, which cuts and removed tissue.Tissue sample is taken using a thinner needle than a core needle.
AccuracyHighly accurateHighly accurateAccurateLess accurate
ScarringExternal scar. Can change the look and feel of the breast.MinimalMinimalMinimal
AnesthesiaGeneral (asleep) or local with sedationLocal (awake)Local (awake)None
Location where procedure is generally performedOperating room or outpatient settingDoctor's office or outpatient settingDoctor's office or outpatient settingDoctor's office
ConsiderationRequires time to heal from surgery. Greater chance for infection and bruising than needle biopsy.  May not remove enough tissue for a definite diagnosis.
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Breast imaging same-day work up results in high patient satisfaction

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When Patricia Guerra found out her breast cancer had recurred after five years, her immediate thoughts turned to the worst case scenario.