Breast health

Maintaining your breast health is essential to your overall well-being.

Because of this, Englewood Hospital is committed to the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast disease in women of all ages. At our breast center, we combine advanced breast health services with compassionate, coordinated care

Breast conditions we diagnose and treat

Our breast care specialists have experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including:

• Breast cancer
• Breast nodules 
• Breast pain
• Nipple discharge
• Axillary lymph nodes

Our treatments and services

We recommend annual breast cancer screenings for women between 40 and 74 years old with an average risk of breast cancer.

We offer comprehensive breast health services, from preventive and diagnostic screenings to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. These services are provided in a convenient and compassionate setting.

If breast cancer is detected, our highly trained and dedicated care team works closely with you to plan and execute the best course of treatment. This team consists of surgeons, radiologists and technologists — and they're all here to support you.

Our women's breast health imaging services

The American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology and Society for Breast Imaging recommend annual screening mammograms beginning at 40 years old for women who have an average risk of developing breast cancer. It's important to talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and when you should begin annual screenings.

We offer access to a wide range of breast screening and diagnostic services as a key component of our comprehensive diagnostic imaging program, including:

• Screening mammography: Screening mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable.
• Diagnostic mammography: A diagnostic mammogram may be performed when a woman has breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump, breast pain, or other abnormal breast symptoms. It may also be performed as a follow-up exam for an abnormal screening mammogram. This diagnostic mammogram may include breast ultrasound to compliment the mammogram. Ultrasound is not a substitute for a mammogram.
• Digital 3D mammography (tomosynthesis): Digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, takes several X-rays at different angles to create a 3D image of the breast. This technique has the potential to significantly increase the cancer detection rate in women with dense breast tissue.
• Stereotactic-guided breast biopsy: Stereotactic breast biopsy uses mammography-guided imaging to remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. It is less invasive than a surgical biopsy, leaves little to no scarring and can be an excellent way to evaluate calcium deposits or tiny masses that are not visible on an ultrasound.
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue or cells. In an ultrasound-guided biopsy, a radiologist uses ultrasound imaging as a tool to locate the lump or abnormality being biopsied. The sample is then examined under a microscope to aid in diagnosis.

To schedule a mammogram, call our scheduling team at 866.463.7072.

Dense breasts

Mammography identifies women with dense breast tissue. Because dense breast tissue can make some cancers difficult to find, we offer specialized breast imaging, including:

• Breast ultrasound
• Digital 3D mammography
• Image-guided breast biopsy
• Stereotactic biopsy
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy

Our program is designed around advanced technology to improve breast cancer detection. You will be informed of your level of breast density at the time you receive your result and are provided a recommended surveillance plan.

How to prepare for your mammogram

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your mammogram:

• Schedule your mammogram after your menstrual cycle, when the breasts are less sensitive.
• Wear a two-piece outfit to your appointment, so you can easily remove your top for the exam.
• Do not apply deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under the arms or near the breasts the day of your exam.
• Tell your provider and your mammographer if there is a chance you may be pregnant.

Our breast care teams

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital takes a team approach to care, meaning we have breast health specialists from various medical disciplines within our breast care program. This ensures we can provide comprehensive care, regardless of your diagnosis.

Our breast care teams include:

• Breast surgeons
• Mammography and Ultrasound Technologists
• Radiologists