CPMC Breast Imaging Services

Depending on your symptoms, your family history and the density of your breasts, breast imaging experts at CPMC can use a combination of imaging technologies to screen for and diagnose breast abnormalities. Mammography is the foundation of breast cancer screening, but we offer many other additional imaging technologies to assess breast health. Here are some of the services we provide:

Screening and Diagnostic Mammography

During a mammogram, two pictures are taken of each breast using a machine that compresses your breast tissue and emits low-dose radiation. CPMC imaging centers use digital mammography machines for an even lower-dose procedure that allows radiologists a better view of the entire breast to the chest wall. If you feel a lump, have nipple discharge or a positive screening mammogram, a more focused mammogram is performed.

3D Mammography

Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, this new breast imaging technology acquires multiple images of the compressed breast and reconstructs them in three dimensions. Breast tomosynthesis provides the radiologist with more detailed information and is particularly helpful in women with dense breasts.

Breast MRI

Lying face down on the MRI table, you will be advanced into a donut-shaped spinning gantry that contains a large super-conducting magnet. Better suited to the imaging of tissue, the test may be used to evaluate a lump that is not seen on a mammogram, screen high-risk women or check for possible breast implant rupture. This procedure is only performed at our 2351 Clay Street Care Center.

Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound gel and a wand called a transducer are placed directly on the skin to generate—and collect—sound waves, producing images of the structures inside the breast. Ultrasounds may be used for women with dense breasts or a family history of breast cancer, those whose lump cannot be seen on a mammogram, or in the event of pregnancy to avoid the use of radiation. It also can distinguish between cysts and tumors.

Breast Biopsy

A Breast Biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. Breast biopsies performed in the Breast Center are less invasive than surgical biopsy and only requires local anesthetic. Biopsies may be performed using Ultrasound or Stereotactic Guidance. 

Depending on your symptoms, your family history and the density of your breasts, breast imaging experts can use a combination of imaging technologies to screen for and diagnose breast abnormalities. Mammography is the foundation of breast cancer screening, but we offer many other additional imaging technologies to assess breast health.

Our priority is to get you in for the earliest possible appointment. We offer convenient scheduling through our Central Scheduling for Diagnostics service.

Notkin Family Breast Cancer Recovery Program

At the California Pacific Medical Center, our Notkin Family Breast Cancer Recovery Program assists women and their loved ones through the process of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. We serve women at all stages and at any point along the breast cancer treatment continuum.