Breast Cancer Screening & Detection
Early detection of breast cancer saves thousands of lives each year. RAS is committed to providing the most advanced screening and diagnostic technology available anywhere..
RAS is well known for its physician expertise, breast cancer detection services and compassionate care. A full array of screening and diagnostic studies are offered at our seven outpatient breast imaging centers which have been designated as "Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence" by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This accreditation is only granted to those imaging facilities that pass rigorous reviews of mammography images, breast ultrasound images and breast biopsies. RAS is also accredited by the ACR for its Breast MRI services. In our profession, it’s the smallest of details that matter. You’ll see this in everything we do. From evening and weekend appointment availability, to fresh flowers in our waiting room. Our goal is to make your experience with RAS a pleasant one.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breast and is considered the most reliable screening method for breast cancer detection. The American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology and the American Medical Association recommend an annual mammogram for women who are 40 years of age and older. All RAS breast imaging centers are inspected annually by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure we are in compliance with the regulations of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).
3D Mammography, or Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, employs three dimensional imaging which produces digitally reconstructed breast images. It is used in conjunction with 2D Mammography for improved cancer detection and is especially useful for women with dense breast tissue. The improved accuracy of a 3D Mammogram is proven to increase the detection rate of early breast cancer and may reduce the number of false-positive exams.
Breast ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, may be ordered by your physician or recommended by your radiologist to obtain more information about a possible abnormality.
Breast MRI, which produces highly detailed images of the breast tissue is frequently used to determine whether or not an area of concern is cancerous, thereby avoiding unnecessary biopsies. Breast MRI does not however take the place of traditional breast cancer screening methods. This exam is also used to check for leakage or rupture of breast implants.
Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) is a special type of PET scan used for breast cancer detection. PEM produces a very focused image of the breast tissue that allows physicians to see cancer as small the width of a grain of rice. The images produced with PEM are often used by physicians to map out the best options for treatment.
A biopsy of the breast is a procedure in which tissue is removed from suspicious areas and analyzed by a physician specializing in pathology to determine whether or not cancer is present. Biopsies done under radiologic guidance are performed with a needle instead of surgery.
