Our Approach to Breast Health

General Information
The Jewish Hospital Breast Center provides comprehensive breast imaging services in one convenient and easily accessible location. We offer state-of-the-art technology and personalized care from some of the area's best breast health care experts. We perform routine screening and diagnostic mammograms using the R2 ImageChecker and full-field digital mammography, ultrasounds of the breast, stereotactic and ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, and DEXA scan bone densitometry.

When you arrive for an examination, we will strive to make you feel as comfortable as possible in a supportive setting. We will provide the services and information necessary to assist you in creating a plan of care that is appropriate.

Not only do we care for new patients, but we also welcome women who desire a second opinion for their treatment options. The Jewish Hospital Breast Center accepts patients both through physician referral and self-referral.

Mammography
A mammogram is a radiology exam that provides a picture of the internal structure of the breast. The Jewish Hospital Breast Center performs two types of mammograms, screening and diagnostic.

A screening mammogram is performed on women who have no evidence of breast disease. Using a mammography machine, a Radiologic Technologist obtains two views of each breast at an angle to each other.

A diagnostic mammogram is performed when a possible abnormality has been found on a screening mammogram or on clinical examination of the breast, or sometimes when a woman has had a previous benign or malignant abnormality of the breast. A diagnostic mammogram utilizes special views of the breast and is interpreted by the Radiologist at the time of the exam.

A mammogram is first checked by the Technologist for technical quality and then interpreted by a Diagnostic Radiologist, a physician who specializes in interpreting radiology exams. The Radiologist views the mammogram for microcalcifications, masses, distortions and asymmetry of the tissue between the two breasts.

Recommendations for Mammography and Clinical Breast Exams
All women 40 years and older should obtain an annual mammogram. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer (mother, sister or daughter, particularly if premenopausal) should obtain an annual mammogram beginning at age 30.

All women ages 20-39 should undergo a clinical breast exam at least every three years by a health care provider. All women 40 years and older should undergo a clinical breast exam yearly by a health care provider. All women ages 20 and older should also perform a monthly breast self-examination.

Screening mammography, performed at regular intervals, is the only proven way to detect breast cancer early and at a stage when it is curable. Early detection significantly decreases mortality from breast cancer. Mammography is more sensitive to the early stages of breast cancer than clinical examinations of the breast.

Computer-Aided Detection (CAD)
All screening mammograms and most diagnostic mammograms performed at The Jewish Hospital Breast Center, and at all of the other Jewish Hospital facilities, including both Mobile Mammography Units, are double-read by the R2 ImageChecker. This is a computer-aided detection (CAD) system that highlights possible suspicious areas on the mammogram that warrant a second review by the Radiologist. The R2 ImageChecker is an aid for the Radiologist in the early detection of breast cancer. This system can detect 23 percent more breast cancers than mammography alone.

Full-Field Digital Mammography
Some mammograms at The Jewish Hospital Breast Center may be performed using a new technology, full-field digital mammography (FFDM) rather than conventional film mammography. The digital mammography system transfers images to a computer so that they can be electronically enhanced. Digital mammography allows the Radiologist to focus in on areas of concern, which enhances readability and interpretations of the images, and may reduce patient re-calls for additional views. The compression and positioning are the same as for conventional film mammography. All digital mammograms performed at The Jewish Hospital Breast Center are also double-checked by the R2 ImageChecker.

Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the internal structure of the breast. It is used in addition to mammography for certain specific breast problems, and is not a replacement for mammography in the early detection of breast cancer. Ultrasound is most useful in determining if a nodule or a mass on a mammogram or a clinical exam is a cyst (benign) or is solid (benign or malignant).

Stereotactic and Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
Both stereotactic and ultrasound-guided large-needle breast biopsies are performed by physicians in The Jewish Hospital Breast Center. Stereotactic biopsy is a non-surgical technique that removes samples of an abnormal area in the breast that are seen on a mammogram. It is performed under computerized digital mammographic guidance. Large-needle breast biopsies may also be performed under ultrasound guidance if the breast abnormality is easily seen on an ultrasound exam.

DEXA Scan Bone Densitometry

DEXA scan bone densitometry is a radiology exam that is used to detect osteoporosis, a loss of bone mineral content common in post-menopausal women. Osteoporosis can lead to hip, spine and other skeletal fractures if not detected and properly treated. The Jewish Hospital Breast Center provides full-body DEXA scans, the most reliable bone density test to measure the bone mineral content in the hip and the spine.

Who We Are

Your mammogram will be performed by a registered Radiologic Technologist, all of whom are mammography board certified. If you have an ultrasound exam of the breast, it will be performed by a registered Ultrasound Technologist. All of the mammography Technologists and ultrasound Technologists working in The Jewish Hospital Breast Center have extensive experience in their fields.

Your mammogram will be interpreted by a Radiologist from Professional Radiology, Inc. (PRI), a full-service diagnostic and interventional radiology practice. All PRI physicians staffing The Jewish Hospital Breast Center are board-certified and have extensive experience with mammography and breast imaging. A Radiologist is on-site to interpret your diagnostic mammogram, which ensures that the results are provided for you and your referring physician on a timely basis.

How to Reach Us

To schedule an appointment for a mammogram or a breast ultrasound exam, please call 513-686-3300 for mammography or 513-686-3250 for breast ultrasounds, or stop by The Jewish Hospital Breast Center, Suite 111 in the Medical Office Building across the street from The Jewish Hospital, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.