Mammography and Breast Imaging

To help identify breast conditions and to screen for breast cancer, PeaceHealth offers mammograms, breast imaging technology and image-guided biopsy. These imaging technologies may help diagnose breast cancer in its early stages — often before symptoms appear. Mammograms are x-ray images of breast tissue. Doctors use x-rays to look for abnormal growths or to check for changes in the breast.

Advanced breast imaging can also help doctors more accurately diagnose the type of breast cancer, its stage or other breast conditions.

Breast Imaging at PeaceHealth

PeaceHealth offers breast imaging services in Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

Trusted, expert care

PeaceHealth breast imaging experts understand the unique needs of a woman’s breast health. They are experts in reading and understanding results to give an accurate diagnosis.

Relax in a comfortable setting

Breast mammograms and imaging tests can be unnerving. That’s why we are committed to making this experience as comfortable as possible. Rooms are designed to create a comfortable, serene setting with the patient in mind.

Comprehensive breast care

Patients can access the latest advances in breast cancer care and treatment at the [breast cancer center name]. Our compassionate team delivers the care patients want and need, including 3D mammography, immunotherapy and more.

Advancing the standard of care

PeaceHealth offers advances in care to accurately diagnose breast cancer and breast disease — including 3D mammography, image-guided biopsies and nuclear medicine. Many of our locations are certified by the American College of Radiology. This shows our commitment to delivering high-quality, safe care to our community.

Conditions We Treat

Breast cancer

Breast cancer can develop in both men and women. The team at PeaceHealth has experience in treating many types of breast cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma, among others.

Cysts

Simple cysts are fluid-filled sacs. They may be small or large and grow in one or both breasts.

Enlarged lymph nodes

Lymph nodes can become swollen as a sign of infection. Enlarged lymph nodes are rarely a sign of cancer.

Fibroadenoma

This noncancerous breast tumor is most common in young women. It does not always need treatment.
 

Hamartoma

A hamartoma is an abnormal mixture of normal tissues and cells. This noncancerous tumor can appear in any part of the body, including the breast. 

Hyperplasia

Hyperplasia happens when your body makes too much of a certain kind of cell. These cells line the inside of the milk glands and ducts in the breast. Subtypes include ductal, lobular and atypical hyperplasia. Women with atypical hyperplasia have a higher risk of breast cancer.

Lipomas

Slow-growing, fatty tissue under the skin is called a lipoma. It usually does not need to be treated.

Treatments Provided

Screening mammography

Low-dose x-rays are used to create images of a woman’s breast tissue. These images help doctors see abnormalities, which may be a sign of cancer.

Diagnostic mammography

A diagnostic mammography is used to take a closer look at any abnormalities found during a screening mammography. Images from several angles are taken in order to get high-quality, clear pictures.

3D mammography

3D mammography, also called tomosynthesis, takes several pictures to create a 3D image of the breast. This approach offers a clearer picture so doctors can better detect breast cancer.

Breast MRI

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used after a breast cancer diagnosis. An MRI creates detailed pictures of the breasts to give doctors added details about the size and number of cancerous growths.

Breast ultrasound

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of breast tissue and detect abnormalities.

Breast biopsy

A biopsy collects a small sample of abnormal tissue. Types of breast biopsy include:

  • Fine needle aspiration 
  • Core needle aspiration 
  • Stereotactic biopsy 
  • MRI-guided core needle aspiration 
  • Surgical biopsy 
Nuclear medicine breast imaging

Nuclear medicine breast imaging uses radioactive materials to screen for cancer in women who have dense breast tissue. It can also be used to provide more information for an accurate diagnosis of breast cancer.