CPMC Breast Imaging Services

Having regular mammograms matters: when caught while still localized in the breast tissue, your five-year breast cancer survival rate is 99 percent or greater. CPMC invests in the latest advanced imaging technology so we can detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stage and provide you and your healthcare team with the most complete information after a cancer diagnosis.

Our dedication translates to exemplary care: The American College of Radiology designated CPMC’s Breast Health Center as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers has also certified CPMC for our multidisciplinary approach, which promotes high-quality care.

CPMC Breast Health Center’s goal is to optimize your care by prioritizing prevention and early detection of breast cancer through a robust screening mammography program. We offer complete diagnostic imaging and imaging-guided procedures for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer.

The CPMC Notkin Family Breast Cancer Recovery Program, established in 2004, is a distinguishing feature of our program and offers extensive services to those diagnosed with breast cancer.

CPMC believes that the health and well-being of uninsured, underinsured or undocumented women matter. We demonstrate our compassion and commitment to care through our Sister to Sister Breast Health Program.

Screening and Diagnostic Mammography

During a mammogram, each breast is placed in compression and images are obtained in two views using FDA-approved, low-dose X-rays. These images are then interpreted by a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in reading mammograms.

CPMC Breast Health Center uses digital mammography exclusively. Compared with film, digital mammography uses less radiation, takes half the time to perform and provides crisp, clear results within seconds. Digital mammography also offers better visibility through dense breast tissue and near the skin line and chest wall.

If you feel a lump, have worrisome nipple discharge or have an abnormal screening mammogram, your doctor may recommend a more focused (diagnostic) mammogram.

• Finding a Lump (Video)

3D Mammography

Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), this enhanced breast imaging technology acquires multiple images of the breast and reconstructs them in three dimensions. This provides the radiologist with more detailed information and is particularly helpful in women with dense breasts. It’s performed just like a digital screening mammogram.

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. Ultrasound imaging helps evaluate breast lumps and new mammographic findings. It’s useful in women with dense breast tissue and is often used in conjunction with mammography. In pregnant women or women under age 30, ultrasound is used without mammography to evaluate new lumps.

Breast MRI

This noninvasive, radiation-free imaging test takes detailed images of both breasts using a large-bore tube that contains a strong magnet and emits radio waves. Most often, a breast MRI involves injecting a safe contrast agent into your arm to look for breast cancer.

MRI is not a substitute for your annual screening mammogram; rather, it’s an additional screening tool that can be used if you’re at higher risk for breast cancer or have had breast cancer in the past. MRI can also be used to determine extent of disease, figure out whether a cancer has infiltrated muscles or lymph nodes, or determine response to treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. Without contrast, MRI can see if breast implants are intact or ruptured.

Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy is the removal of a small piece of breast tissue to evaluate for breast cancer and other disorders. CPMC offers several types of minimally invasive, imaging-guided biopsies. Biopsy tissue samples are sent to the lab to determine whether the tissue is benign or malignant.

• Stereotactic Biopsy (Video)
• Ultrasound Guided Biopsy (Video)

Make an Appointment

Our priority is to get you in for the earliest possible appointment. We offer convenient scheduling through our Central Scheduling for Diagnostics Services, or you can call us directly at (415) 600-2700.