St. Helena Women’s Diagnostic Services

We have a wide array of state-of-the-art imaging technology

If your mammogram shows an abnormal area or other changes in the breast, the radiologist will likely order a follow up diagnostic test to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of breast cancer. The center offers a range of diagnostic tests including diagnostic mammograms, ultrasound, needle and surgical biopsies.

Diagnostic mammograms

Diagnostic evaluations are recommended for women who have a dominant or new breast lump, clear or bloody nipple discharge, prior breast cancer, or localized persistent breast pain unrelated to menstrual cycles. A diagnostic mammogram evaluation is performed in one visit, including all imaging studies required for a complete diagnostic evaluation. The radiologist reviews your imaging studies, and the results are given to you at the time of your visit.

Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate palpable lumps and to detect cysts and solid tumors not found by mammogram alone and may be performed at the time of a diagnostic mammogram evaluation if the radiologist determines this test will add valuable information.

Biopsies

If your breast specialist recommends a biopsy for further evaluation, they will determine which procedure is most effective for your situation. The center offers:

• Stereotactic core needle breast biopsy
• Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy

These three approaches are performed in the outpatient setting using local anesthesia and do not require the traditional incision with stitches. Not all women are candidates for these procedures, so your physician may recommend an open surgical biopsy.