Mammography & Diagnostic Services

Breast Services Overview. The Lacks Cancer Center Breast Services suite is a vital source of diagnostic technologies and supportive services. Housing four mammography units, on-site radiologists, computer assisted diagnosis and stereotactic biopsies in one convenient location, this remarkable centralized suite offers:

Mammography. Because mammography is still considered the gold standard for breast imaging tests, mammograms—along with self-breast exams and physician exams—are an essential part of maintaining healthy breasts, particularly for women age 40 and over, and those who have a significant family history of breast cancer. During a mammography, the breast is compressed for stabilization, to even out the tissue and increase picture quality. Then images of the breast are taken from every angle using low-dose X-rays based on American Cancer Society guidelines. After an initial mammogram, some women may have areas of concern that can't be diagnosed with only the information available from the screening mammogram. This does not necessarily point to a malignancy, however, in these cases, we would perform an additional diagnostic mammogram to rule out cancer.

Breast Ultrasound. The breast ultrasound is used to evaluate breast abnormalities found on a mammogram or felt by the patient or the patient’s physician during a breast exam. The ultrasound is not used as a screening tool for breast cancer, but can determine if what is seen or felt is a solid mass or a fluid filled cyst.

Stereoactic Biopsy. A stereotactic biopsy is a test that uses a special computer to guide a needle to an abnormality seen on a mammogram. This biopsy is a minimally invasive, highly accurate way to obtain the tissue sample required for diagnosis. The procedure requires little recovery time and there is no significant scarring to the breast.

To schedule a Mammography or Biopsy, or to join our Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic, ask your primary care physician for a referral or make a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-752-LACK(S).