houston methodist breast care center at sugar land

LEADING BREAST CANCER IMAGING.LEADING TO A CURE.HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital would like to thank the ladies of the Fort Bend Junior Service League for their part in our breast cancer awareness efforts, as well as their continuing commitment to our community.

H O U S T O N M E T H O D I S T . O R G / S U G A R L A N D

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Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land offers women a lifesaving difference.

We’ve all been told about the importance of yearly mammograms. What’s of equal

importance, however, is where you have your mammogram. The Breast Care

Center is the leading breast imaging facility in Fort Bend County. Staffed by

renowned breast radiologists, the Breast Care Center offers women some of the

best diagnostic services available.

If your care extends beyond your yearly mammogram, our breast care navigator

will be there to guide you through the emotional and complex journey from

diagnosis to survivorship — so that you can focus on healing.

IT MATTERS WHERE YOU HAVE YOUR MAMMOGRAM

You don’t have to go through treatment feelingalone or uncertain — call our breast care navigator at 281.276.8989.

HOUSTON METHODIST.ORG/ SUGARLAN D

HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D

Our breast care navigator will help you:1. Understand the continuum of care, which generally begins with

discussions of your exam findings and your different procedure options.

2. Make appropriate decisions by ensuring that you are educated and fully

understand each of your options.

3. Feel empowered in your care through participation in support groups

such as Survivors Offering Support, CanCare,® the American Cancer

Society and others.

In addition, our breast care navigator will facilitate your various appointments

with the proper Breast Care Center physicians, as well as coordinate other

health appointment needs that may arise during your care. Our breast

care navigator will attend weekly patient case review sessions where a

multidisciplinary breast care team discusses your personalized treatment plan,

so that she knows exactly how your care is proceeding and what steps

may be next.

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If you have had a mammogram at another facility, please let us know at the time you schedule your appointment, and we will help you obtain your prior films.

HO USTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CENTER AT SUGA R L A ND

HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND

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The findings are interpreted by some of the foremost breast radiologists in the country.

The Breast Care Center is the first full-service center of its kind in Fort Bend

County. Women can rely on the Breast Care Center for state-of-the-art

technology, compassionate care, and a commitment to maintaining the very

latest in diagnostic and treatment technology. By employing groundbreaking

advances in both technology and practices, the breast radiologists at the

Breast Care Center are able to more quickly and accurately make a diagnosis.

Your test results are electronically archived for use as a benchmark for

subsequent years and are available upon request. If you have had a

mammogram at another facility, please let us know at the time you schedule

your appointment, and we will help you obtain your prior films. The Breast

Care Center radiologists can better interpret any abnormalities based on a

complete history of your mammograms.

State-of-the-Art Breast Cancer Diagnostics

• Digital Mammography • 3-D Mammography• Breast Ultrasound• Breast MRI

• Molecular Breast Imaging • MRI Guided Biopsy• Ultrasound Biopsy• Stereotactic Biopsy

See inserts in the back pocket of this brochure for more details on these services.

YOUR MAMMOGRAM IS PERFORMED WITH THE LATEST IMAGING TECHNOLOGY


HOUSTON METHODIST.ORG/ SUGARLAN D

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BREAST CARE CENTER MEDICAL DIRECTORDr. Stephen Phillips, medical director of the Houston

Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land, joined

us from the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester,

Minnesota. He is board certified in diagnostic

radiology and fellowship trained in breast imaging

and intervention. He is a Fellow of the American

College of Radiology and has a long history of

teaching, researching and writing for medical journals

on breast radiology.

Dr. Stephen PhillipsBreast Radiologist

"We provide the latest breast imaging technology and diagnostic procedures — all here under one roof. We have options available to us that other imaging centers don't, and together with our breast care team and our patients, we decide on the course of action that is best for each patient's individual needs."

- Dr. Stephen Phillips


HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND

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IF YOUR MAMMOGRAM IS ABNORMAL...

IF BREAST CANCER IS DETECTED…

IF RADIATION IS REQUIRED…

In the event an abnormality is found in your mammogram, the Houston Methodist Breast

Care Center at Sugar Land is the best place to be. Any further testing can be completed

at the Breast Care Center, freeing you from the stress of having to visit several different

facilities. Our breast radiologists will supervise the diagnostic evaluation and perform

image-guided core needle biopsies, if necessary.

Rest assured, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers Fort Bend County the only

full-service oncology program. If breast cancer is detected, our breast care navigator

will coordinate your care and schedule your appointments with the appropriate specialists

on our breast care team, including breast surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, oncologists

and radiation oncologists. Our breast care team members will work closely with each other

to ensure continuity of care.

Our renowned radiation oncologist relies on the latest technology and innovations to

tailor a treatment program for each patient. For some patients, high-dose-rate (HDR)

brachytherapy reduces the time needed for treatment to five days rather than six weeks.

This therapy uses strategically placed catheters to deliver precise levels of radiation

directly to the tumor site, which also helps protect surrounding breast tissue.

Other leading-edge therapies available are intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

and TrueBeam. IMRT is an advanced mode of high-precision radiotherapy that utilizes

computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses. TrueBeam treats

cancer faster, deals effectively with tumor motion and improves the patient experience.

TrueBeam imaging technology can produce the three-dimensional images used to fine-tune

tumor targeting in 60 percent less time.

Emotional Support

The Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land offers a

number of support services for patients and their families who have been

diagnosed and are undergoing breast cancer treatment.

• Survivors Offering Support

Helps women understand that breast cancer affects them emotionally

and spiritually as well as physically, and provides a road map for

achieving a happier, healthier future after cancer.

For more information, please contact the Department of Spiritual Care

at 281.274.7164.

• Look Good…Feel Better

Teaches female cancer patients beauty tips to look better and feel good

about themselves during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

• Reach to Recovery

Provides a breast cancer survivor volunteer who gives comfort and

facilitates informed decision-making for those going through treatment.

For more information on Look Good...Feel Better or Reach to Recovery,

please contact the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Cancer Center

at 281.242.CURE (2873) or the American Cancer Society

at 1.800.227.2345.

• CanCare

The patient is matched with a CanCare volunteer who has

experienced the same type of cancer for one-on-one

emotional support.

For more information, please visit cancare.org or call 713.461.0028.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

SEEKING A SECOND OPINION

MAKING THE DECISION

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital holds weekly case reviews with a

multidisciplinary breast care team including breast radiologists, pathologists, breast

surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologist, reconstructive surgeons and the

breast care navigator. During a case review, the breast care team discusses newly

diagnosed patients and creates personalized treatment plans. This service provides

our patients with the comfort of knowing that they are being cared for by a team of

specialized physicians who truly care.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer by another facility and are seeking

a second opinion, we are here for you. When you request a second opinion at the

Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land, our breast care navigator will

schedule a consultation with a member of our breast care team. To schedule your

consultation now, contact the breast care navigator at 281.276.8989.

Choosing the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land for your

breast care means that regardless of your stage, your care will be delivered with

your total well-being as the main focus. All the while, you can take advantage

of the conveniences of care close to home with state-of-the-art technology and

designated, free parking.


6 HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND

SCHEDULE NOWYour annual mammogram is an important screening tool — and it does make a difference where you have it done. Easily schedule your screening mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 281.242.PINK (7465).

7HOUSTON METHODIST.ORG/ SUGARLAN D


MammographyThere are two types of mammograms:

• Screening Mammogram - Used for women who have no personal history of

breast cancer and have normal physical exams.

• Diagnostic Mammogram - Recommended for patients who have an area

of concern or suspicious change in their clinical exam or have a personal

history of breast cancer.

3-D Mammography 3-D Mammography utilizes advanced tomosynthesis technology improving the

ability to detect cancer at the earliest stages, while using the lowest radiation

exposure available in the market. 3-D can be used for both screening and

diagnostic mammograms.

If you have had a mammogram at another facility, please let us know

when you schedule your appointment, and we will help you obtain your

prior films. The Breast Care Center radiologists can better interpret

any abnormalities based on a complete history of your mammograms.

UltrasoundA breast ultrasound is performed if a lump or area of concern is identified on a

mammogram. The breast ultrasound helps the radiologist determine if a lump is

filled with water, which is a cyst, or is solid tissue. If the lump is identified as solid,

a biopsy may be needed. Though ultrasounds are helpful, they do not replace

mammograms, as most early cancer identifiers are not visible with ultrasound.

Breast MRIA breast MRI is a very sensitive test used to look for breast cancer by using

magnetic fields instead of radiation to look inside the body. Patients with a

high risk of breast cancer, newly diagnosed breast cancer or those who have

questionable findings from a complex mammogram are candidates for a

breast MRI.

Molecular Breast ImagingMolecular breast imaging (MBI) is an imaging technique that can identify

tumors in mammographically dense breasts often not visible with digital

mammography or ultrasound. Mammography uses X-ray technology, so the

images of both tumors and dense breast tissue often appear white. Clinical

studies show that MBI allows differentiation of the tumor and is able to detect

up to three times as many cancers in women with dense breast tissue. The

radiation dose is roughly equivalent to digital mammography.

BiopsyA breast biopsy is performed based on the abnormal findings from a

mammogram, ultrasound or MRI. The type of biopsy performed in most cases

is a core needle biopsy. The procedure involves removing small pieces of the

tissue with a needle. Similar needles are used for all image guided biopsies.

There are several types of core needle biopsies:

• Stereotactic Biopsy - Used when suspicious areas are visible in a

mammogram. This type of biopsy is guided by 2-D digital X-ray.

• 3-D Stereotactic Biopsy - Used when suspicious areas are visible in a

mammogram. This type of biopsy is guided by 3-D tomosynthesis imaging.

• Ultrasound Biopsy - Used when suspicious areas are visible with

ultrasound. This type of biopsy is guided by ultrasound.

• MRI Guided Biopsy - At times, a cancerous area will show up on a breast

MRI that is not seen by mammogram or ultrasound. In those cases, an MRI

guided biopsy is necessary to obtain a sample of the tissue for

further examination.

Easily schedule your screening mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or by calling 281.242. PINK (7465).


8 HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND

STATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICES

Mammography• When should I get my first mammogram?

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other medical

groups recommend that women with an average risk of breast cancer begin annual

mammograms at age 40 and continue as long as the individual is in relatively good

health. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast examination as part

of a routine physical every three years. At 40 years of age and thereafter, clinical breast

examinations should be done annually.

Women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss screening options

with their physician. However, many breast specialists are recommending that women

with a strong family history of cancer begin annual screenings at an earlier age

with a breast ultrasound or MRI in addition to regular mammograms. Breast self-

examinations should be performed regularly, such as monthly, starting at age 20.

• Are there different types of mammograms, and which one should I have?

There are two types of mammograms, screening and diagnostic. The type of

mammogram that is best for you depends on your medical history and breast symptoms.

The Breast Care Center only utilizes state-of-the-art digital mammography. This

means that the X-ray taken of the breast is captured by a computer. Studies show that

digital mammography is better than conventional film mammography, particularly for

women with dense breasts.

Easily schedule your screening mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or by calling 281.242. PINK (7465).

Schedule your diagnostic mammogram and/or breast ultrasound by calling 281.242.PINK (7465).

HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D

Screening Mammogram A screening mammogram is used to detect breast cancer in women who have no

personal history of breast cancer and have a normal clinical breast exam. The screening

consists of two to three X-rays of each breast taken by a certified mammography

technologist and interpreted by breast radiologists.

Diagnostic MammogramA diagnostic mammogram is recommended for patients who have noticed an area of

concern or suspicious change in the clinical examination of the breast, have had an

abnormal screening mammogram or have a personal history of breast cancer. If your doctor

has noticed a change in your breast clinical exam, a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound

will be ordered to clarify the finding and determine if a biopsy is needed.

3-D Mammography3-D mammography utilizes advanced tomosynthesis technology improving the ability to

detect cancer at the earliest stages, while using the lowest radiation exposure available

in the market. GeniusTM 3-D Mammography is the first and only clinically superior

3-D mammography approved by the FDA, providing clearer images, more accurate

screenings and reducing the number of false positives.

MAMMOGRAPHY & BREAST ULTRASOUND

• How should I prepare for my mammogram?

On the day of your mammogram you should make sure not to use any deodorant,

powder or lotion of any kind under your arms or on your breasts, as the chemicals

from these products can interfere with the reading. It is important for the radiologist

to compare your current mammogram with any previous studies. If you have had

mammograms at another facility, please bring them with you at the time of your

appointment or let us know at the time you schedule your appointment, and we

will help you obtain your prior films. Some cancers are very hard to see in a single

mammogram and may only become visible if the previous image is available for

comparison. The mammogram itself involves compression. If you have very sensitive

breasts, try to avoid scheduling your mammogram the week before your period

because that is when breasts are most sensitive.

Breast Ultrasound• What is a breast ultrasound?

A breast ultrasound helps the radiologist determine if a lump or mass is filled with

fluid or is solid tissue. Masses that are clearly filled with fluid are called cysts and are

usually not cancer. If the lump looks like it is solid, a biopsy may be needed to make

the final diagnosis.

Ultrasounds involve skin contact with gel and a transducer. There is no breast

compression, and most women find the procedure painless. Ultrasounds can be very

helpful, but they do not take the place of mammography. Most early cancers that are

visible as micro-calcifications in the mammogram, for example, will not be visible with

the ultrasound.

For all new breast imaging patients: If you have had a mammogram at another

facility, please let us know at the time you schedule your appointment, and we will

help you obtain your prior films. The Breast Care Center radiologists can better

interpret any abnormalities based on a complete history of your mammograms.

Easily schedule your screening mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or by calling 281.242. PINK (7465).Schedule your diagnostic mammogram and/or breast ultrasound by calling 281.242.PINK (7465).

MAMMOGRAPHY & BREAST ULTRASOUND HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D

Breast MRI• What is a breast MRI and what should I expect?

MRI is an imaging technique that uses magnetic fields instead of radiation to

look inside the body. During your breast MRI, you will be asked to lie face down

with your breasts placed in openings in the table. A contrast material is injected

through a vein. The exam generally lasts between 30 minutes and one hour, and

both breasts are examined simultaneously. It is very important to stay still during

the MRI for an accurate reading. If you are claustrophobic, you can ask your

referring physician about a mild sedative that may help make the procedure more

comfortable. There is only a small amount of breast compression applied to the

breast to prevent motion during an MRI procedure. The amount of compression is

significantly less than mammography, and most patients are comfortable throughout

the procedure.

• When will my doctor ask for a breast MRI?

The indications for breast MRI are constantly changing as more data becomes

available. In addition to being used as a better tool for breast cancer detection

in patients with high risk for breast cancer, this technique can be used to help

identify questionable findings arising from a complex mammogram or physical exam.

Young women who have certain genetic mutations may have improved detection

of early cancers with breast MRI rather than mammography. Breast MRI is useful

for deciding treatment in women who have already been diagnosed with cancer,

patients with very dense breast tissue and those with a strong family history of

breast cancer.

Women at high risk (greater than 20 percent lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year.

If you have questions or concerns about your procedure, please contact the Breast Care Center nurse at 281.275.0106, or to schedule an appointment, call 281.242.PINK (7465).

BREAST MRI & MRI GUIDED BIOPSY HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D

BREAST MRI & MRI GUIDED BIOPSY

• Why do I need an MRI guided biopsy, and what should I expect?

MRI is a very sensitive test to look for breast cancer. Sometimes cancer will show

up in a breast MRI that is not seen in the mammogram or ultrasound. In these

cases, the only way to take a biopsy (sample the tissue from the lump) is to guide a

needle into the lesion using an MRI. MRI biopsy is a type of core needle biopsy (see

stereotactic insert for more information about core needle biopsies).

The procedure is performed while lying on the stomach. Once the radiologist

identifies the finding, a computer program is used to determine the position of the

needle in the breast. The breast radiologist administers local anesthesia, makes a

small cut in the skin, and places the needle in the area of concern to withdraw the

tissue to sample the lump. The removed tissue is sent to the laboratory where a

pathologist will examine it and determine the diagnosis. Usually the radiologist will

leave a small metal clip in the area of the biopsy. The clip helps identify the mass in

future mammograms. Also, if the lump is a small cancer, the clip helps the surgeon

find and remove this small area accurately.

• What can I expect after the biopsy procedure?

You will be instructed to keep the breast area dry for 24 hours. Strenuous activity

such as heavy lifting or aerobic activity should be avoided during this time. Most

women find that they can resume their normal activities the day after the procedure.

It is important to carefully follow the post-procedure instructions so that any

circumstances specific to you will be taken care of properly. In order to reduce

the amount of bruising, which is common in this procedure, the nurse will apply

pressure to the biopsy site at the conclusion of the procedure. You will be instructed

to place ice on your breast at intervals throughout the remainder of the day. As with

any needle procedure, bleeding and infection at the biopsy site can occur, so be

sure to follow all instructions carefully.

The pathology report is usually ready in a few days after the biopsy. This report will

be sent to your referring physician and breast radiologist. Your physician or breast

radiologist will call you with the results, ask how you are healing, and answer any

questions or concerns you might have.

• Will the magnetic field interact with anything on or in my body?

The magnet used in breast MRI can interfere with metal objects in your body.

Patients should make sure to alert the technologist before the procedure if they

have a/an:

• Artificial heart valve • Joint prosthesis

• Implanted drug infusion port • Implanted nerve stimulator

• Infusion catheter • Metal pins

• IUD • Screws, plates or surgical staples

• Artificial limb • Clip for brain aneurysm

Breast MRI cannot be performed on people who have a/an:

• Internal defibrillator • Implanted electronic device (pacemaker)

• Cochlear implant

Patients are instructed prior to the procedure to remove:

• Jewelry and watches • Removable dental work

• Credit cards • Pens

• Hearing aids • Pocket knives

• Hairpins • Eye glasses

• Metal zippers • Clothing accessories

• How do I schedule a breast MRI or MRI guided biopsy?

If the breast radiologist recommends that you have a breast MRI or MRI guided

biopsy, your referring physician will send orders to the Breast Care Center. Once

these orders are received, a scheduler will contact you to schedule your biopsy and

conduct a pre-procedure phone consultation. The scheduler will give you specific

instructions about what to do before the procedure.


• What is an ultrasound biopsy?

An ultrasound biopsy is a type of core needle biopsy

(see stereotactic insert for more information about

core needle biopsies).

An ultrasound biopsy is done when a lump can be

seen with ultrasound. Usually ultrasound biopsies are

the quickest and easiest of all biopsy procedures. You

will lie on your back or slightly on your side, just as if a

routine ultrasound is being performed.

During an ultrasound biopsy, the radiologist injects

local anesthetic to numb the area. Through a small cut

in the skin, a needle is inserted and pieces of tissue

are removed. This incision is so small that stitches

are unnecessary.

A small metal clip is placed in the area of the

biopsy. The clip helps identify the mass on future

mammograms. Also, if the lump is cancer, the clip

helps the surgeon find and remove this very small

area accurately.

ULTRASOUND BIOPSY HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D

Stereotactic Biopsy• What is a stereotactic biopsy?

A stereotactic biopsy is guided by either 3-D tomosynthesis or digital X-ray. It is most

helpful in sampling areas of calcifications that look suspicious on your mammogram.

The 2-D stereotactic biopsy is performed on the prone biopsy table, and the 3-D

tomosynthesis stereotactic biopsy is performed in the upright position. Your breast

will be held in compression during the procedure. It is very important that you take the

time to get comfortable so that you can stay perfectly still, as any movement or talking

can interfere with the biopsy.

During the biopsy, the breast radiologist will inject local anesthetic to numb the area.

A needle is inserted in the breast and pieces of tissue are removed. The skin incision

is so small that stitches are not needed. The breast radiologist will X-ray the tissue

removed to make sure that calcifications have been removed, and will place a tiny clip

marking the biopsy site. The clip will not be seen or felt by you or others and will not

interfere with any of your daily activities. The procedure will generally last 30 minutes

to one hour.

STEREOTACTIC BIOPSY

Core Needle Biopsy• What is a core needle biopsy?

Core needle biopsies include stereotactic biopsies using X-ray, ultrasound biopsies

and MRI guided biopsies. A core needle biopsy is a procedure used to determine

whether a suspicious calcification or lump is cancer. Whether benign or cancerous,

lumps can look similar, and the only way to find out is to remove a piece of the lump

with a biopsy. The tissue removed is then sent to a pathologist who examines it under

a microscope and determines whether or not it is cancerous.

Core needle biopsies are different from surgical biopsies in that only small pieces

of the lump are removed through a very small cut in the skin. Surgical biopsies

usually remove the entire lump through a larger cut in the skin. Needle biopsies are

recommended for suspicious imaging findings. Both types of biopsies have the

same accuracy rate.

If you have questions or concerns about your procedure, please contact the Breast Care Center nurse at 281.275.0106, or to schedule an appointment call, 281.242.PINK (7465).


• What can I expect after my ultrasound biopsy?

You will be instructed to keep the breast area dry for 24 hours. Strenuous

activity such as weight lifting or aerobic activity should be avoided during this

time. Most women find that they can resume their normal activities the next

day. It is important to carefully follow the post-procedure instructions so any

circumstances specific to your case are taken care of properly. It is normal to

have bruising after a breast biopsy. In order to reduce the amount of bruising,

the nurse will apply pressure to the biopsy site at the end of the procedure.

You will be instructed to place ice on your breast at intervals throughout the

remainder of the day. As with any needle procedure, bleeding and infection

at the biopsy site can occur, so be sure to follow all instructions carefully.

Usually the pathology results are ready within a few days. This report will

go to your referring physician and your breast radiologist. Your referring

physician or breast radiologist will call you to inform you of the results, ask

how you are healing, and answer any questions or concerns you might have.

• How do I schedule an ultrasound biopsy?

If the breast radiologist recommends an ultrasound biopsy, your referring

physician will be consulted, after which his/her office will send orders for

the procedure to the Breast Care Center. Once these orders are received,

a scheduler will contact you to schedule your biopsy and conduct a

pre-procedure phone consultation. The scheduler will give you specific

instructions about what to do before the procedure.

ULTRASOUND BIOPSY

If you have questions or concerns about your procedure, please contact the Breast Care Center nurse at 281.275.0106, or to schedule an appointment call, 281.242.PINK (7465).


• What can I expect after my stereotactic biopsy?

You will be instructed to keep the breast area dry for 24 hours after the biopsy. Also,

strenuous activity like weight lifting or aerobic activity should be avoided during this

time. Most women find that they can resume their normal activities the day after the

biopsy procedure. It is important to carefully follow the post-procedure instructions

so that any circumstances specific to you will be taken care of properly. It is normal

to have bruising after a breast biopsy. In order to reduce the amount of bruising, the

nurse will apply pressure to the biopsy site at the end of the procedure. You will be

instructed to place ice on your breast at intervals throughout the remainder of the day.

As with any needle procedure, bleeding and infection at the biopsy site can occur,

so be sure to follow all instructions carefully.

Usually the pathology results are ready within a few days. This report will go to your

referring physician and your breast radiologist. Your referring physician or breast

radiologist will call you to inform you of the results, ask how you are healing, and

answer any questions or concerns you might have.

• How do I schedule a stereotactic biopsy?

If the breast radiologist recommends that you have a stereotactic biopsy, your

referring physician will be consulted, after which his/her office will send orders

for the procedure to the Breast Care Center. Once these orders are received,

a scheduler will contact you to schedule your biopsy and conduct a pre-procedure

phone consultation. The scheduler will give you specific instructions about what to

do before the procedure.

STEREOTACTIC BIOPSY HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D

MOLECULAR BREAST IMAGING (MBI) HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D

• What is molecular breast imaging?

Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is an imaging technique that can identify tumors

in mammographically dense breasts often not visible with digital mammography or

ultrasound. Mammography uses X-ray technology, so the images of both tumors

and dense breast tissue often appear white. Clinical studies show that MBI allows

differentiation of the tumor and is able to detect up to three times as many cancers in

women with dense breast tissue. The radiation dose is roughly equivalent to

digital mammography.

• When will my doctor ask for molecular breast imaging?

Your physician may recommend molecular breast imaging to help identify

questionable findings arising from a mammogram or if lumps are found with a

physical exam. Women who have dense breast tissue may have improved detection

of early breast cancer with MBI in conjunction with mammography. Breast density can

be determined by your breast radiologist using mammography.

In addition to dense breast tissue, your physician may order MBI if you

meet any of the following:

• You have abnormal findings after a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound

• You are at a high risk for malignancy or for the evaluation of a suspected recurrence

• You have breast implants

• You need to have an MRI but you have an implant such as a pacemaker

• You have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation

• You were recently diagnosed with breast cancer

• To assess your response to chemotherapy

• How do I schedule a molecular breast imaging exam?

Your referring physician will write you an order. To schedule your appointment,

call 281.242.PINK (7465).

MOLECULAR BREAST IMAGING (MBI) HOU STON METHODIST BREAST CARE CEN TER AT SUGAR LAN D

• What should I expect during my MBI exam?

You will be injected with a low dose of the MBI radiotracer, which will

accumulate in any tumor that might be present. Your breasts will be imaged

in the standard mammogram positions. Each image takes approximately 10

minutes to acquire. The breast is held in position with gentle compression,

which is much lighter than the compression used for a mammogram, and

you remain seated for the exam. After the images are acquired, they are

interpreted by a board-certified breast radiologist.

Photo comparison of

mammography versus

molecular breast imaging

of a lesion in a patient

with dense breast tissue.

If you have questions or concerns about your procedure, please contact our breast care navigator at 281.276.8989.

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