Comprehensive care with your needs in mind

Using our state-of-the-art MAMMOMAT Revelation with Wide-angle Breast Tomosynthesis equipment, the breast is compressed so X-rays can capture several wide-angle images that are gathered into a 3D view. The paddle that applies pressure to your breast is built with soft edges that contour to your shape, providing greater comfort. The least amount of pressure needed for the highest image quality is used during the exam, with compression that is based specifically on the structure of your breast tissue.

After your exam, our expertly-trained radiologists carefully examine the images for cancer and other abnormalities. With 3D images, our doctors can separate the images layer by layer for a deeper view of the breast tissue and confident results. Our 3D technology looks inside your breast to find tumors that may not be defined in 2D, resulting in fewer follow-up exams.

On the day of your exam, do not use deodorant, perfume or lotion anywhere from the waist up before the exam. Such items can mimic disease on the mammogram.

Once registered, you will be escorted to our exclusive women’s imaging suite, provided a cape or gown, and asked to undress from the waist up.

If possible, avoid scheduling your mammogram just before your menstrual period, especially if you have breast pain at that time. If you have breast implants, please inform the scheduler when making your appointment so that she can reserve the appropriate amount of time for your exam.

A digital mammogram generally lasts 10 to 15 minutes. The technologist will compress the breast to obtain optimal image quality and image the breast from different angles.

With digital mammography, the radiologist will review electronic images using special high-resolution monitors with the ability to adjust the brightness and contrast and zoom in for close-ups of specific areas of interest. If the radiologist sees any areas that need additional images, our nurse navigator will call you to schedule a follow up appointment and answer any questions.

When a screening or recall mammogram shows a breast abnormality, a stereotactic breast biopsy or ultrasound-guided biopsy may be used to diagnose the mass or lesion. The breast health nurse navigator is with the patient every step of the way, staying at the patient’s side throughout the entire procedure. Our nurse navigator provides loving support, offers helpful information and coordinates next steps.

A stereotactic biopsy is an outpatient procedure that generally lasts about 60 minutes. Several images of the breast are taken, and computer coordinates of the lesion established. Local anesthetic is used before the radiologist guides a small needle to the lesion. Another image is taken to confirm that the needle tip is within the lesion and several samples are taken. A small marker may be left at the site of the lesion to aid future procedures, if necessary

After the procedure, a pathologist studies the tissue samples to diagnose the lesion and notifies the referring physician about the results. Patients receive a phone call from either their physician or the nurse navigator, who will discuss the results.

Adventist Health Sonora provides a higher level of patient care with the help of our imaging nurse navigators, who help to coordinate the clinical, educational and support needs of breast imaging patients and their families.

“People can be overwhelmed when their screening mammogram turns into something more,” explains Jackie Lindsey, RN, BSN, CN-BN, who has earned recognition from the National Consortium of Breast Centers as a certified breast health nurse navigator. “Each person takes the information differently. I always look for ways to make the situation less overwhelming and take their hand as I walk them through, one step at a time.”

A nurse navigator’s contact with patients begins when they have a "recall," which is when a patient is asked to come back for additional views after a screening mammogram.

Our imaging nurse navigators work collaboratively with our oncology nurse navigators to streamline the referral process and expedite care for patients if the diagnosis is cancer. The nurse navigators are part of a large team including physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, imaging technologists and other staff who work together to provide the very best care for each patient.

Rest assured that if your diagnosis is breast cancer, you're not in this alone. You’ll start with a call from our nurse navigator, who will help you every step of the way. You will also have the support of a compassionate team of nurses, radiologists, oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, technologists and other support staff.

Our comprehensive breast care services are designed to help each patient navigate their journey with cancer. We care for you from the beginning and guide you every step of the way — with every service from screening mammogram to MRI, biopsy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, social services and survivorship.

At the Center for Breast Health, these advanced cancer therapies are only part of the treatment plan. Our team of caregivers focuses on treating you as a whole person — body, mind and spirit. We also provide your family and friends with the support and education they need to help you through.