Whether your visit is for screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment, Saratoga Hospital has a comprehensive collection of resources to provide care to patients with breast concerns. The breast care provider team includes nurse navigators, radiologists, fellowship trained breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, physical therapists, an oncology social
worker, and dieticians. Although care is delivered by a diverse team of specialists, the nurse navigators and the Center for Breast Care staff coordinate and streamline the process so that each individual patient is provided with the specialized, supportive care and attention they deserve.

Prevention

We provide risk assessment, education and counseling to help you understand your personal breast cancer risk. We encourage and support healthy lifestyles that can reduce the possibility of developing breast cancer. Women who have an elevated risk may also be offered additional screening tests, genetic testing, medical or surgical interventions to help reduce breast cancer risk.

Screening and Diagnosis

The Saratoga Hospital Center for Breast Care providers coordinate care to complete the diagnostic evaluation and provide treatment for breast disease.

The Women’s Imaging Center at Wilton Medical Arts has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. This prestigious designation is only awarded to centers that offer comprehensive services and meet strict quality standards.

Finding breast cancer early gives the best options for treatment and cure, and the Women’s Imaging Center offers the latest in early detection technology:

Screening mammograms are for women with no current breast problems.

Diagnostic mammograms are for women who are experiencing a breast problem, such as a lump, nipple discharge, or localized breast pain. Diagnostic imaging is also done on a patient with abnormal or questionable findings on a screening mammogram, or recent treatment for breast cancer.

Digital mammography uses x-rays to produce detailed images of the breast which are viewed on a high resolution computer monitor. A board certified radiologist will analyze the images, describe any abnormalities and make a diagnosis. A report is sent to the referring physician, and the patient is also notified of the results.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) generates multiple images through the breast tissue and can more effectively screen for invasive tumors, especially for women with dense breast tissue.

Breast Ultrasound can be used to further evaluate dense breast tissue seen on mammogram or abnormalities felt on breast examination. Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images, and can help the radiologist determine if a breast mass is solid or a fluid-filled cyst.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Breast MRI) is used as an aid to mammography and ultrasound
imaging. It can be used to evaluate the extent of known disease, measure the effectiveness of chemotherapy, and assess for implant rupture. Breast MRI is also appropriate for screening patients who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer.   Intravenous contrast is administered for breast MRI exams, except when evaluating implants. Breast MRI has the advantages of not being limited by tissue density, being extremely sensitive, and not using x-rays. It can, however, highlight areas of benign fibrocystic tissue and give false positive results.

Image-guided needle biopsy is done to obtain a sample of tissue from an area of concern in the
breast. This is a highly accurate alternative to surgical breast biopsy. These procedures are done by
the radiologist, using local anesthesia to numb the area while small pieces of tissue are obtained through a needle. The image guidance is done using the modality by which the radiologist can best
see the area for biopsy: a stereotactic core needle biopsy is done using x-ray guidance, an ultrasound guided core needle biopsy is done using ultrasound to guide the needle in place, and an MRI-guided needle biopsy is done with MRI. The tissue samples are sent to pathology, and the patient will be called with results in a couple of days.

The Saratoga Hospital Center for Breast Care providers coordinate care to complete the diagnostic evaluation and provide treatment for breast disease.

Clinical breast examination. While mammography is currently the best screening method for detecting breast cancer, 10 to 15 percent of breast cancers may not be detected by mammography alone. A breast examination includes a complete physical examination of both breasts and the surrounding lymph node areas.

Surgical or excisional breast biopsy is done when an image-guided needle biopsy is either not technically feasible or not appropriate for a particular patient.

Treatment

The treatment of breast disease can involve several modalities, including surgery, medication, and radiation. The Saratoga Hospital Center for Breast Care, under the direction of our fellowship trained breast surgeons, coordinates care for patients. Our experienced breast care providers work together to provide comprehensive care using the latest technologies and methods to treat all breast conditions, including breast cancer.

Breast cancer treatment is individualized, and each treatment plan is different. Our team reviews the surgical treatment options with patients, and help direct the development of the entire care plan. When medications will be part of the plan, the Center for Breast Care will make arrangements for a consultation with a medical oncologist. Similarly, when radiation therapy is
needed the Center for Breast Care will arrange for a radiation oncology consultation. The Saratoga Hospital Center for Breast Care provides the coordination and navigation needed for comprehensive care.