Breast health

Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the breasts. Mammograms are used to find breast cancer in its earliest stages.

2D mammogram

Digital 2D mammograms use special X-ray equipment to generate images that radiologists can manipulate on a computer. The enhanced images allow doctors to more easily target areas of concern that may require more testing.

3D mammogram

3D mammography delivers a series of high-resolution images of different layers of the breast. This technology provides screening accuracy and allows our doctors to examine your breast tissue layer by layer. Instead of viewing breast tissue in a flat image, as with conventional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by tissue.

Our breast specialists use several technologies to guide minimally invasive biopsies to identify breast cancer. The image guidance enables physicians to precisely locate and target the cells for biopsy. Each technique uses a different technology to produce images:

• Stereotactic-guided biopsy: uses special X-ray equipment
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided biopsy: uses a magnetic field and radio waves
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy: uses high-frequency sound waves

Another clinical breast exam we offer is a breast lymphoscintigraphy procedure. We use it to test the lymph nodes near your breast to see whether cancer has spread. This procedure involves the following steps:

• Your physician injects the breast with radioactive tracer material.
• The material spreads to nearby lymph nodes.
• Your physician uses special technology to capture images of the breast, chest and armpit areas to determine if any lymph nodes have become cancerous.

If breast cancer is detected, we provide comprehensive care and support services through our oncology program. Our oncologists and breast cancer specialists will be by your side from diagnosis and treatment through survivorship.

• Comfortable environment: We offer a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere with comfortable gowns and warm dressing rooms.
• Convenient location: Our women's services are a short drive away for people who live in Pasco, Hillsborough and northern Pinellas counties.
• Easy, flexible scheduling: For your convenience, we offer online scheduling, next day appointments and 30-minute screenings. You may also call (800) 617-7229 to schedule an appointment.
• Nationally recognized care: Our hospital's breast imaging services have been recognized by the American College of Radiology and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's Mammography Quality Standards Act and Program. Should breast cancer be detected, our oncology program is recognized as a Community Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons. These designations mean that we’ve met and exceeded the highest standards of care.