Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scans)

PET scans are not used to screen for breast cancer due to the limited ability to detect small tumors. However, PET Scans are useful in staging recently diagnosed breast cancer. PET scans are used to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, metastasized (spread to other parts of the body), and/or responding to treatment.

Computerized Tomography (CT)/ CAT Scans

CT scans are not routinely used to evaluate the breasts. CT scans may be used to check if a tumor has spread into the chest wall depending on how large the cancer appears. This is helpful to determine the type of surgery your breast cancer surgeon will recommend.

Lady having CAT scan

Thermagraphy or Thermal Imaging

Thermagraphy measures the temperature of a patient’s skin to screen for breast cancer cells that are growing. The idea behind thermal imaging is that if cancer cells are multiplying then blood flow and metabolism will be up and, thus, the body temperature. This procedure does not involve radiation. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put out a safety communication on February 25, 2019 explaining that thermography is NOT a substitute for mammograms and does NOT have valid scientific evidence to be an effective screening tool for any medical condition including the early detection of breast cancer.

Thermography Whole Body Front

Breast Cancer Screening Methods and Myths Webinar

Watch our breast cancer doctors at the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s, discuss the different types of breast cancer screening methods including, breast exams, mammography, ultrasounds, MRI, and biopsy, as well as share the facts for all the common breast cancer myths you’ve heard.

Meet Our Breast Health Care Team

The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center brings you some of the finest breast health and cancer care in Southern California.

Meet Our Breast Health Experts

Margie Petersen Breast Team

Questions?

The Breast Health Clinic can be reached at (310) 582-7209. If you have questions regarding a new symptom or want to make an appointment for evaluation please call and a staff member will assist with navigating you in the right direction.

Schedule an Appointment For more information