The Methodist Hospital System. Leading Medicine
The Methodist Hospital System. Leading Medicine

Methodist Breast Center

Breast Cancer Detection

Image-Guided Biopsy

In many cases, a biopsy can be conducted with a needle inserted through a tiny incision. In some cases, imaging is used to guide the needle to the site of the abnormality while the procedure is performed.

Image-guided biopsy methods offered at the Methodist Breast Center include:

  • MRI-guided biopsy
  • Ultrasound biopsy
  • Stereotactic biopsy

Early detection of breast cancer may improve the chances of successful treatment. The Methodist Breast Center is a resource for early cancer detection, providing educational materials, guidance, and advanced screening technologies that can help detect and diagnose any abnormalities.

Breast self-examination

Beginning at age 20, women should conduct a breast self-examination monthly. This simple and painless process is one of the best ways to find and locate any abnormalities early. Telling the doctor about any lumps or other changes you find will help the doctor determine what, if any, additional diagnostic tests should be performed.

Learn how to perform breast self-examination.

Mammography

A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast. It can be a valuable tool in diagnosing a specific breast disease, and is also used on a regular basis to search for breast problems that might otherwise have no symptoms. The Methodist Breast Center uses all-digital mammography, which provides exceptionally clear digital images of the breast and can be more accurate and of higher resolution than conventional, film mammograms.

Frequently Asked Questions about mammograms.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI is a highly sensitive, non-invasive test used to look for signs of breast cancer. Unlike the x-rays used in mammography, an MRI exposes the patient to no radiation — magnetic fields are instead used to look inside the body.

Breast MRI may be indicated when

  • there is a particularly high risk for breast cancer
  • certain genetic factors are present
  • breast tissue is very dense
  • there is a strong family history of breast cancer

Breast MRI may also be used for treatment planning in the wake of a breast cancer diagnosis, and is employed in MRI biopsy.

Minimally invasive biopsy

The Methodist Breast Center specializes in minimally invasive biopsy, in which fine needles are used to extract tissue from lesions. The tissue sample is then removed and analyzed to determine its composition. This analysis can tell doctors the source of the tissue, whether or not it is cancerous, and even help to determine what if any treatment is required.

Minimally invasive methods help reduce recovery time; most women find they can resume normal activities the day after the procedure is conducted.