• Personalized care for those at elevated risk of breast cancer
• Patients identified as high-risk benefit from a tailored care plan that may include:
• One-on-one consultation with Dr. Patel, breast surgeon
• Virtual sessions with a genetic counselor
• Dietary guidance with an oncology dietitian
• Risk-reducing strategies and individualized surveillance plans

Guiding patients through every step of their journey. Our multidisciplinary team ensures no patient is lost to follow-up:

• Breast Care Coordinator: Assists with imaging and biopsy scheduling
• Breast Health Nurse Navigator: Offers guidance post-diagnosis and coordinates care
• Oncology Social Worker: Connects patients with support services
• Dietitian: Provides customized nutrition support throughout treatment.

• Resources designed to nourish mind, body, and spirit
• Weekly onsite support groups and yoga classes
• Individual counseling
• Meal assistance through Factor Foods
• Transportation coordination
• Access to local resources and free wig services

Our integrated team of specialists meets regularly to review patient cases and personalize treatment:

• Medical Oncology
• Breast Surgery
• Radiation Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Radiology & Pathology
• Tumor Board meetings include imaging reviews, pathology presentations, and collaborative care planning

• State-of-the-art facilities, including an infusion center that provides onsite chemotherapy and infusion in a bright, inviting space where our care team will closely monitor your treatment
• TrueBeam radiotherapy system uses noninvasive tumor-destroying radiation to treat cancer in a quick, precise manner
• Surgical Oncology, including breast-conserving surgery and reconstruction
• Expert opinions from onsite Medical Oncologists

Diagnostic mammograms are advanced specialized mammographic views for patients who are experiencing breast symptoms or for patients who require additional evaluation from previous breast
imaging. These images are often combined with breast ultrasound to help accurately identify the size, shape, and/or location of a breast abnormality.

Diagnostic mammography can help determine whether a finding is benign (non-cancerous) or if further evaluation may be recommended.

Before Your Mammogram

• Please wear a two-piece outfit, as you will need to remove clothing from the waist up for your exam.
• On the day of your appointment, do not apply deodorant, perfume, powder, creams, or lotions to your breasts or underarm area. These products can leave residue that may affect the images.
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for your scheduled appointment.
• If you have had breast imaging performed at another facility, bring any prior mammogram images and reports with you. Comparing previous studies helps the radiologist detect subtle changes in breast tissue.
• Inform the technologist if you have breast implants or notice any skin changes, lumps, or nipple discharge.
• Mild discomfort during compression is common, but the exam is safe and will not harm breast tissue. If you have difficulty standing, please let the scheduler know ahead of time so additional accommodations can be made.

A diagnostic breast ultrasound is performed to further evaluate a breast concern or an abnormality seen on a mammogram. It is commonly used when a patient has symptoms such as a palpable lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, or localized changes in the breast tissue.

This exam uses sound waves—not radiation—to produce real-time images of the breast. During the procedure, a technologist applies gel to the skin and gently moves a handheld ultrasound transducer over the area of concern. Ultrasound allows the radiologist to distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts and to closely examine the characteristics of a breast finding.

Diagnostic breast ultrasound is often used in combination with mammography to provide additional information. In many cases, it can help determine whether a finding is benign. If a finding appears suspicious, further evaluation—such as a biopsy—may be recommended.

Before Your Ultrasound

• Please wear a two-piece outfit, as you will need to remove clothing from the waist up for your exam.
• On the day of your appointment, do not apply deodorant, perfume, powder, creams, or lotions to your breasts or underarm area. These products can leave residue that may affect the images.
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for your scheduled appointment.
• If you have had breast imaging performed at another facility, bring any prior mammogram images and reports with you. Comparing previous studies helps the radiologist detect subtle changes in breast tissue.
• Inform the technologist if you have breast implants or notice any skin changes, lumps, or nipple discharge.
• Mild discomfort during compression is common, but the exam is safe and will not harm breast tissue. If you have difficulty standing, please let the scheduler know ahead of time so additional accommodations can be made.

Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is a supplemental screening exam designed primarily for women with dense breast tissue as determined by a mammogram. Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult for a traditional mammogram to detect abnormalities, as both dense tissue and cancer appear white on mammography.

ABUS uses sound waves—not radiation—to create detailed images of the breast tissue. During the exam, a specialized ultrasound transducer is gently passed over the breast to capture thousands of images, which are then reconstructed into 3-D views. These images allow the radiologist to examine the breast tissue layer by layer.

ABUS is typically performed in addition to a screening mammogram, not as a replacement. When used together, mammography and ABUS can increase the likelihood of detecting breast cancers that may otherwise go unseen, particularly in women with dense breasts.

Before Your Ultrasound

• Please wear a two-piece outfit, as you will need to remove clothing from the waist up for your exam.
• On the day of your appointment, do not apply deodorant, perfume, powder, creams, or lotions to your breasts or underarm area. These products can leave residue that may affect the images.
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for your scheduled appointment.

A breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an advanced imaging exam used to evaluate breast tissue in greater detail. It is often recommended for patients at high risk for breast cancer, those with newly diagnosed breast cancer to assess disease extent, or to further evaluate inconclusive findings from mammography or ultrasound.

Breast MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves—without radiation—to create highly detailed images of the breasts. During the exam, the patient lies face down on a specialized table, and an intravenous contrast agent is typically administered to enhance image clarity. The images are then carefully reviewed by a radiologist experienced in breast imaging.

Breast MRI is particularly sensitive and can detect abnormalities that may not be visible on other imaging studies. While it can help identify areas of concern, it does not replace mammography or ultrasound. If a suspicious finding is identified, additional imaging or procedures, such as a biopsy, may be recommended for definitive diagnosis.

DEXA Scans

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a quick and painless exam used to measure bone density and assess bone health. It is most commonly used to evaluate for osteoporosis or determine a patient’s risk for bone fractures.

During the exam, a low dose of X-ray radiation is used to create images of the bones, typically focusing on the spine and hips. The amount of radiation used is minimal—significantly less than that of a standard X-ray. The patient generally remains fully clothed and lies comfortably on the exam table while the images are obtained.

DEXA scan results help healthcare providers determine whether bones are normal, weakened, or at increased risk for fracture. This information is valuable in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring bone health over time.

Trabecular Bone Score (TBS)

Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) is an additional measurement that can be derived from a DEXA scan and provides information about bone quality, not just bone density. TBS evaluates the texture of the bone in the spine to give insight into the underlying bone microarchitecture.

TBS is especially helpful in assessing fracture risk in patients whose bone density alone may not tell the full story. When used alongside standard DEXA results, TBS allows healthcare providers to better identify patients at increased risk for fractures and make more informed decisions regarding bone health management.

Breast tissue density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast, as seen on a mammogram. Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue, which can make it harder to detect cancer on mammography because both dense tissue and cancer appear white. Breast density is common and normal, but women with dense breast tissue may benefit from additional imaging to improve cancer detection.

Breast density is measured using mammography and assessed by a radiologist based on how the breast tissue appears on the mammogram images. Breast density cannot be felt on a physical exam; it is determined only by imaging, not by breast size or firmness.

Radiologists classify breast density using the BI-RADS® system, which includes four categories:

1. Almost entirely fatty (A)
2. Scattered areas of fibroglandular density (B)
3. Heterogeneously dense (C)
4. Extremely dense (D)

Categories 3 and 4 are considered dense breasts. This classification is included in the mammography report and is often shared directly with patients, as breast density can affect cancer detection and screening recommendations. Speak with your physician regarding supplemental breast imaging such as Automated Breast Ultrasound and Breast MRI.