{"id":403,"date":"2018-10-23T18:55:50","date_gmt":"2018-10-23T18:55:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:jwcistage.wpengine.com\/breast\/treatment-2\/screening-and-imaging\/"},"modified":"2025-07-16T17:13:44","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T17:13:44","slug":"breast-evaluation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/breast\/breast-health\/breast-evaluation\/","title":{"rendered":"Breast Evaluation"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":393,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-403","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

At Saint John’s Health Center, a community hospital located in Santa Monica, CA, breast evaluation is a crucial component of women’s healthcare services. The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Saint John’s exemplifies this commitment by offering comprehensive evaluation and screening services alongside its renowned breast oncologic care and research efforts.<\/p>\n

How we evaluate breast conditions with screening and imaging<\/p>\n

The Margie Petersen Breast Center’s focus on breast health underscores the importance of early detection and prevention in combating breast cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. The breast center, led by Dr. Janie Grumley, Director, Comprehensive Breast Program, is known for being able to evaluate any breast condition in one day.<\/p>\n

Breast Screening<\/h2>\n

Breast cancer screening is crucial because it helps detect cancer early, when it is most treatable. Early detection through screening can significantly reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. The primary screening method is a mammogram, an x-ray of the breast that can identify cancer before it is large enough to cause symptoms. Women at average risk for breast cancer are generally advised to start annual mammograms between ages 40 and 44, continue yearly screenings from ages 45 to 54, and then switch to biennial screenings from age 55 onwards. For those at higher risk, additional methods like breast MRI may be recommended.<\/p>\n

The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to breast care. We emphasize patient dignity and comfort, providing imediate access to a multidisciplinary team to address both physical and emotional needs. Services include advanced imaging, genetic counseling, nutritional support, and wellness programs like yoga and meditation. This holistic approach ensures that our patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique circumstances, enhancing both treatment outcomes and overall quality of life<\/p>\n

\"Clinical
A clinical breast examine may include more than one type of imaging device and you may speak with more than one specialist.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Breast Examination<\/h2>\n

Breast examination is a fundamental component of breast evaluation. Performed by a healthcare provider, a breast examination is different than a self-exam. A physical exam involves palpating the breasts and underarms to detect any abnormalities such as lumps, thickening, or changes in texture. It is a simple yet effective method for identifying potential issues that may require further investigation. During the exam, your provider will physically check both of your breasts.<\/p>\n

Learn more about breast exams including self-breast examination<\/u><\/a>.<\/h3>\n

Breast Ultrasound<\/h2>\n

Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique used to supplement mammography. It utilizes sound waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue, aiding in the detection and characterization of breast abnormalities. Ultrasound is particularly useful for distinguishing between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, helping to guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions. We may recommend an ultrasound to help determine whether a breast abnormality is likely to be a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass, which may be either benign or cancerous.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Breast Ultrasound<\/u><\/a>.<\/h3>\n

Breast Biopsy<\/h2>\n

Biopsy is a procedure performed to obtain a tissue sample from the breast for examination under a microscope. It is the most definitive way to diagnose breast cancer and determine its characteristics, such as hormone receptor status. There are different biopsy techniques, including needle biopsy and surgical biopsy, depending on the size and location of the abnormality.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Breast Biopsy<\/u><\/a>.<\/h3>\n

Breast MRI<\/h2>\n

Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a supplemental imaging modality used in certain cases to provide more detailed information about breast tissue. It is often used in conjunction with mammography for high-risk individuals or to further evaluate abnormalities detected on mammograms or ultrasound.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Breast MRI<\/u><\/a>.<\/h3>\n
\"Mammogram
Though visible on a mammogram, some cancers may be difficult to detect.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mammography\/Mammograms<\/h2>\n

Mammography is the primary screening tool for breast cancer, involving low-dose X-rays to detect early signs of cancer before symptoms develop. It can detect small tumors that may not be palpable during a physical exam. Regular mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40, or earlier for those with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. A mammogram is considered the standard of care to screen for breast cancer.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Mammograms<\/u><\/a>.<\/h3>\n

Other Types of Diagnostic Testing<\/h2>\n

Other tests and procedures may be used depending on your situation. PET Scans (Positron Emission Tomography), for example, are not used to screen for breast cancer due to the limited ability to detect small tumors, they are useful in staging breast cancer. This includes evaluation of the lymph nodes and cancer spread to other parts of the body. Similarly, CT scans (Computerized Tomography) are not routinely used to evaluate the breasts but may be used to verify if a tumor has spread into the chest wall. This knowledge helps to determine the type of recommended surgery. Thermography or Thermal Imaging is another type of test that measures the temperature of a patient\u2019s skin, revealing metabolic blood flow, which can be elevated where tumor cells are rapidly dividing. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Annual Check ups<\/h2>\n

Annual checkups are essential for maintaining breast health and detecting any changes early. While most findings are benign, early detection of breast cancer offers the most favorable outcomes. Regular screenings and prompt evaluation of any abnormalities ensure that women receive the most appropriate care and support for their breast health needs.<\/p>\n

Breast Cancer Screening Methods and Myths Webinar<\/h3>\n

Watch our breast cancer doctors at the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John\u2019s, 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\u2019ve heard.<\/p>\n

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