Breast Care Center
A Coordinated Team of Experts Committed to Your Care
The Aventura Breast Diagnostic Center, a fully accredited mammography center, provides compassionate care with a team of experienced professionals in a comfortable environment that is sensitive to the complex needs of our patients. Our team of medical professionals includes diagnostic radiologists who are fellowship-trained in mammography, surgeons, certified radiology technologists, nurses and pathologists.
Services
The following services are offered at the Breast Diagnostic Center:
- Screening Mammography
- Diagnostic Mammography
- Core Biopsy (Stereotactic, Ultrasound)
- Cyst Aspirations
- Breast MRI
- Galactograms
- Needle Localizations
- Sentinel Node Injections
- Second Opinion Consultation
- Pathology Support
The Aventura Breast Diagnostic Center features a full spectrum of screening, diagnostic and interventional services including the following:
Detection: An Important Part of Breast Care
A breast self-exam is an important preventive measure that all women should perform monthly. The Breast Diagnostic Center offers free breast self-exam training when you come in for an appointment and we will even provide you with a complimentary breast self exam kit. Our technologists will provide breast self-exam training utilizing the triple touch technique.
While a regular breast self-exam is very helpful, it is not a substitute for a mammogram. This quick, safe and painless X-ray can detect breast lumps up to five years before they can be felt by hand. Because the risk of breast cancer increases as you mature, the American Cancer Society makes the following recommendations:
If you are age 20 to 39:
- Have a clinical breast exam by your healthcare provider at least every three years
- Do a breast self-exam each month
If you are age 40 and over:
- Have a mammogram every year
- Have a clinical breast exam by your healthcare provider at least every three years
- Do a breast self-exam each month
Monthly Breast Self-Exams
By regularly examining her own breasts, a woman is likely to notice any changes that occur. The best time for breast self-examination (BSE) is about a week after your menstrual cycle ends, when your breasts are not tender or swollen. If you are not having regular periods, do a BSE on the same day every month. Women who are pregnant, breast-feeding or have breast implants should also do regular breast self-examinations.
- Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
- Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast.
- Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse.
- Move around the breast in a circular, up and down line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breast feels from month to month.
- Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.)
- Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of breast cancers are found. You may want to do the standing part of the BSE while you are in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy.
- For added safety, you can check your breasts for any dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling while standing in front of a mirror right after your BSE each month.
- If you find any changes, see your doctor immediately.
Mammograms
The American Cancer Society recommends mammograms on the following basis:
- Age 35-40 - First or Baseline
- Over 40 - Each year or as your doctor suggests
Medicare now covers the cost of annual mammograms for Medicare recipients age 40 and older.
A Comprehensive Approach to Breast Care
The good news: The American Cancer Society reports that the breast cancer fatality rate has declined in recent years. This promising trend is attributed to earlier cancer detection through preventive care, as well as to advanced technologies used in the treatment of the disease. Now the great news: Preventive care and advanced cancer treatments are offered at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center for Breast Care.