Mills-Peninsula Breast Imaging Services

Depending on your symptoms, your family history and the density of your breasts, breast imaging experts across the Sutter Health network 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 additional imaging technologies to assess breast health. All of our technologies are accredited by the ACR and we are a recognized breast imaging center of excellence. Here are some of the services we provide:

Screening and Diagnostic Mammography

The Mills-Peninsula Breast Center utilizes Digital Breast Tomosynthsis, also known as 3D Mammography, for an even lower dose procedure that allows radiologists the best views of the entire breast to the chest wall. This technology has been proven to be the most effective screening modality for all women and all breast densities. If you feel a lump, have nipple discharge or a positive screening mammogram, a more focused diagnostic mammogram is performed.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography)

Commonly called 3D Mammography, Digital Breast Tomosynthesis marks the newest and most important advance in digital screening mammography.

The technology improves upon the major limitation of mammography, taking  multiple images of the breast to enable radiologists to detect  through layers of tissue and examine areas of concern from multiple angles.

Studies show that 3D mammography reduces by 40 percent the number of women called back for additional imaging and increases by 27 percent the number of early stage breast cancers detected. Digital breast tomosynthesis uses very low-dose radiation, similar to a standard mammogram, and takes just four seconds per view. The images are available right away for the radiologist to review and can be sent instantly to your doctor.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI allows a radiologist to determine the extent of breast cancer after diagnosis. It can also be used as an early detection tool in women with a known genetic mutation. An MRI uses radiofrequency waves along with a substance called gadolinium, which is injected into the bloodstream, to highlight lesions in the breast.

This test is specifically used to screen certain high-risk women, to further image newly diagnosed cancers or to check for possible breast implant rupture.

Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of the breast. Your doctor may use breast ultrasound as a follow-up test after an abnormal on a mammogram, breast MRI or clinical breast exam. 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 on pregnant women to avoid the use of radiation. It also can distinguish between cysts and tumors. The Mills-Peninsula Breast Center offers handheld breast ultrasound performed by a technologist and a doctor.

Stereotactic, Ultrasound and MRI-guided Biopsy

These procedures may be necessary if a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI detects something that needs further evaluation. In these procedures, you will receive local anesthesia to allow the doctor to extract a tissue sample using a needle.

Multidisciplinary Doctor Review

A panel of doctors, including surgeons, radiologists, internists, medical and radiation oncologists and pathologists, meets weekly to review all new breast cancer diagnoses. This ensures a more accurate and coordinated diagnosis and treatment plan.

Second Opinion Service

If you’ve received imaging results from another provider, you can use our Second Opinion Service to have your records reviewed and discussed by our doctors at our facility.

Breast Cancer Clinic

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer at the Women’s Center, you have an integrated support system available just downstairs at the Breast Cancer Clinic at Mills-Peninsula’s Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center. In one appointment, you can meet with all the doctors involved in making your treatment decisions. As appropriate, we arrange individual consultations with a surgeon, medical and radiation oncologists and plastic surgeon. A nurse specialist guides you through the process.

Do I Need a Referral?

Your primary care doctor can provide you with a referral to the Women’s Center or Breast Center. You also can make an appointment without a referral and we will ensure that you receive information for appropriate follow-up. Call us at (650) 696-4140 to make an appointment.