Services at Community Breast Care
Community Breast Care, the leading accredited breast health center serving the Central Indiana area, provides the most fully comprehensive breast care services and compassionate state-of-the-art care. Our program includes breast surgery, radiation and medical oncology services, plastic and reconstructive surgery, genetic counseling, physical therapy and survivorship support.
Diagnostic services available to diagnose and treat benign and malignant breast disease include breast MRI, mammography, breast sonography/ultraound, biopsy, ductography and more. Tests are conducted at our Breast Diagnostic Centers utilizing state-of-the-art technology and equipment operated by licensed, certified or registered technical staff who function under the direct supervision of our physicians and radiologists. All tests are interpreted by our radiologists.
We offer the following state-of-the-art breast diagnostic services:
- Routine digital mammography—This is a four-view digital mammogram, which includes two views of the left breast and two of the right. This exam takes approximately 10 minutes after which time you will be able to leave. Prior to the radiologist reading your films, they will be run through our Computer Aided Detection (CAD) system. CAD is a computer that highlights or marks particular areas of concern that the radiologist may want to review a second time. This does not replace the radiologist reading. Your films will be read by a breast radiologist either that same day or the next morning. If there is a suspicious area, one of our radiology staff members will contact you to schedule additional imaging. If your mammogram appears stable, you will receive a result letter within one week.
- Diagnostic digital mammography—A diagnostic mammogram is scheduled when you are experiencing a new problem, or have had a recent abnormal mammogram or a personal history of breast cancer. The digital mammogram is taken the same way as a routine mammogram; however, additional or special views may be taken as well. These films will be read by a breast radiologist immediately and your results will be given to you at the time of your visit. If ultrasound or additional imaging is needed, it will also be done at that time.
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration
- Ultrasound-guided core biopsy—This is done using ultrasound guidance or by palpation. The area of concern is numbed using local anesthetic and a small incision is made. Using a needle, tissue samples are removed from the area. It is recommended that we get six adequate samples of tissue. The samples are then put in a solution and sent to pathology. You will receive your results in 2 to 3 business days.
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy—This is done using ultrasound guidance or by palpation. The area of concern is numbed using local anesthetic and then, using a very small needle, cells are withdrawn from the area. These cells are put onto slides and sent off to pathology. You will receive your results in 2 to 3 business days.
- Stereotactic core biopsy—A stereo biopsy is done using mammographic guidance. This is a more complex procedure that takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. At Community Breast Care, patients are offered the option of having this procedure done in a prone (lying on stomach) or upright (sitting in chair) position. Once you are in position, your breast will be held in place with light compression. X-rays will be taken to verify the location of the area to be sampled. Once the area is confirmed, it will be numbed using local anesthetic. A small incision will be made, through which a biopsy needle will be inserted. Specimens will then be taken. You may feel pressure during this time; however, you should not feel any sharp pain. Once an adequate specimen is obtained, a small titanium clip may be placed in the area through the already placed needle. If the area of concern proves to be abnormal or cancer, this clip will mark the area that needs to be excised. If it is benign, this clip can stay in your breast. You will never be able to feel it and it causes no harm to your body. A mammogram will be performed after the clip placement, which will document the location of the clip. You will receive your results in 2 to 3 business days.
- Ductography
- Preoperative localization—If you are scheduled for surgery, it may be necessary for you to have a needle localization (needle loc). This is done the day of your surgery. A needle loc can be done using mammographic or ultrasound guidance depending on which imaging modality can best visualize the abnormality.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy— Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure that identifi es the fi rst (sentinel) node or nodes that receive lymphatic fl uid from a cancerous tumor, thus identifying the dominant drainage pattern. Tumors may drain to diff erent node chains in the breast, according to the position of the tumor. This procedure identifi es the nodes most likely to show whether or not the cancer has spread from the original tumor. Prior to the procedure the area around the areola will be injected with dyes that will be used to map out and identify the sentinel lymph node. The fi rst dye is usually injected one to two hours before surgery, the second dye at the time of surgery. Or, in some cases, both dyes will be injected at the time of surgery. During the procedure, a hand-held detection probe is used to identify the area of greatest dye uptake guiding the surgeon to the lymph node(s) that drains the tumor. An incision will be made and the identifi ed single node (or nodes) is removed. Once the sentinel lymph node (or nodes) is removed, depending on your diagnosis, the preliminary pathology review may take place at the time of your surgery or after your surgery is complete. If cancer cells are present, more lymph nodes may be removed.
Each Breast Diagnostic Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology and is an FDA-certified mammography facility. Our breast technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists with national certification in mammography.
Breast health navigators
Whether you have questions about your mammogram or need support following your breast cancer diagnosis, Community's breast health navigators are here for you as a resource and advocate. Learn more >>
Genetic testing and counseling
Our certified breast genetic counselor can help patients and families understand their familial risk for cancer. Learn more >>
Breast cancer support groups
These groups welcome all women who are currently facing or have faced challenges in life due to a breast cancer diagnosis. Our goal is to provide an environment that offers both educational and emotional support. Learn more >>
FigLeaf Boutique
FigLeaf Boutique is a women’s specialty boutique that compassionately supports women facing breast cancer through private consultations and innovative products in a nurturing atmosphere. Our board certified staff and knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing the right ‘fit’ and guidance to accompany women on their journey.
We offer a variety of post surgical products to make women feel better, look better and live better, including breast forms, mastectomy bras, swimwear, skin care products, wigs and headwear.
Read more on the blog: FigLeaf Boutique breast fitter receives national recognition >>
Learn more at www.shopfigleaf.com.
Related breast health areas
In addition to Community Breast Care, Community Health Network offers the following service areas related to breast health: