The Breast Health Center

Personal health should be your number one priority.

That includes getting an annual mammogram. Remember … early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. Besides, with the latest technology, a mammogram takes just a few minutes of your time!

Since breast cancer is most treatable in its early stages, it’s imperative for women to get regular mammograms. Ask your doctor when you should begin with a baseline screening and how often you should have a mammogram. Your doctor will consider your age, family history and personal medical history in determining what’s best for you. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening between ages 35 and 40 and begin having annual mammograms at age 40 for as long as they are in good health.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (941) 782-2264.

3-D Mammography: A new innovation in breast imaging

Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer.

An important new screening tool for detecting breast cancer is now available at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Breast tomosynthesis, or "3-D mammography" allows physicians to examine breasts with more precision during the first screening, saving patients time, unnecessary worry and exposure to radiation.

Unlike traditional two-dimensional breast images, 3-D mammograms allow physicians to examine breast tissue one layer at a time, giving them increase ability to detect very small cancers. A tomosynthesis exam is very similar to a traditional mammogram, and takes approximately the same amount of time to complete.

To learn more about breast tomosynthesis, or to make an appointment, please call (941) 782-2662 or (941) 782-2264.

Meeting Our Community’s Needs Through Advanced Technology

Digital Mammography
Because our primary goal has always been to deliver the highest quality care to our community, we offer digital mammography among our women’s health diagnostic services. Digital mammography offers the following advantages:

Outstanding image quality.
Images are produced in seconds rather than minutes.
The option to zoom-in for a close-up view of specific areas.
Reduced need for additional images of problem areas, thereby reducing radiation exposure.
Electronic transfer and storage of images, thereby increasing efficiency.

Computer Aided Detection (CAD)
Using sophisticated computer algorithms, any areas on the digital mammogram image that might contain features consistent with the presence of an abnormality are immediately highlighted. CAD essentially provides the security of a second independent reading.

Stereotactic/Suros 99 Breast Biopsy
If your physician recommends a breast biopsy, you’ll find the latest in stereotactic technology right here. Our advanced system includes computer-assisted technology known as digital stereotactic localization. With this technology, we’re able to map the precise site of a breast abnormality before a tissue sample is taken. Once the site is mapped, a very small incision is made in the skin and the tissue sample is removed. This minimizes trauma and speeds up the healing process. Most importantly, it improves the quality, accuracy, ease and efficiency of the biopsy.

Breast Cancer Facts

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.

Mammograms

Visit The Breast Health Center Once a Year For Your Mammogram

Appointments can usually be scheduled within 48 hours. To accommodate your busy schedule, we’re open on weekdays, Monday through Friday, and offer extended evening hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The Breast Health Center is conveniently located within Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

Prepare For Your Mammogram

Call (941) 782-2264 to schedule your mammogram on a date that’s convenient for you. Ideally, your exam should take place at a time when your breasts are least tender (not during your menstrual period).
Bring your previous mammogram films or request they be sent to the Breast Health Center so they can be compared to the new ones.
Please do not use deodorants, bath powders, creams or oils the day of your exam. These substances can cause artifacts on your films which may make it necessary to repeat the mammogram.
If possible, wear a two-piece outfit on the day of your exam. This will enable convenient disrobing from the waist up.
During your exam, follow the technologist’s instructions carefully, especially when she asks you to hold your breath and remain still. This will help reduce any motion that can blur the image.
The technologist will need to compress your breasts so that internal structures are properly visualized. Although it may be a bit uncomfortable, this compression is necessary to get an accurate image.
To save time, you can preregister by visiting REGIE, or by calling (941) 782-2264 during the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Directions

From I-75, take University Parkway EXIT 213.

Travel EAST on University Parkway through three traffic lights to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

Turn LEFT onto Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

Travel 1/10 mile to the entrance of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center on LEFT.

For your convenience, park in the back of the hospital and enter through the OUTPATIENT ENTRANCE.

Area Map

Hospital Map

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.

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