Breast Care
All you need to know about breast health
Telfair Breast Care is one of the many excellent diagnostic and care facilities of Mary Telfair Women's Hospital. We offer an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing breast diseases. Our staff of expertly trained physicians, nurses and technologists aid in the early detection of breast cancer through state-of-the-art mammography.
The Telfair Pavilion was the first in the Savannah area to offer the latest technological advances in diagnosing breast diseases, such as computer-aided detection (CAD) and digital mammography. CAD for mammography assists the radiologist by analyzing mammograms for suspicious areas that may be indicative of cancer. Digital mammography technology produces mammograms digitally instead of using film, thereby enabling image manipulation to enhance quality.
The Telfair Pavilion is a designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and certified by the Food and Drug Administration.
Services available:
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Aspiration
Needle aspiration of the breast is a simple, diagnostic procedure which is reported to be highly accurate. The procedure is performed using a very fine needle-one much smaller than that used to draw blood from a vein. The skin where the needle is introduced may or may not be anesthetized (numbed) with a local injection. Because the results of the aspiration are available within a short period of time, it spares the patient unnecessary anxiety. If the fine needle aspiration shows no cancer cells, but your doctor notes any suspicious or worrisome mass, further tests are indicated.
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Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is a procedure used to further evaluate a breast abnormality or lump seen on mammography. An ultrasound can determine if a breast lump is solid (tumor) or filled with fluid (cyst). Breast ultrasounds are not meant to replace the mammogram. Unlike mammography, ultrasound is not able to detect small calcifications.
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CAD (Computer-Aided Detection)
CAD for mammography assists radiologists by digitizing and analyzing mammograms for suspicious areas that may be indicative of cancer.
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Core Needle Biopsy
A core needle biopsy is a diagnostic procedure reported to be highly accurate in identifying the presence of a malignant tumor. The core needle is usually guided into position with the use of ultrasound then multiple tissue samples are removed.
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Digital Mammography
The most advanced mammography technology produces mammograms digitally instead of using film; therefore, images can be manipulated to enhance quality. This has proven to be the best technology for evaluating dense breast tissue.
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Mammography
Mammography (X-ray exam of the breast) is the most valuable tool now available for early detection of breast cancer. With mammography, doctors can find tumors before they can be felt. It also shows other changes in breast structure which doctors believe point to early cancer.
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Needle Localization
Sometimes very small areas of concern which cannot be felt but do show up on a mammogram can be very hard to locate and biopsy. In order to locate the exact site of such a small area, a special type of needle, with a fine hook-wire inside it, is guided into the lump during mammography. It is left in the lump until the patient is brought into surgery for removal of the lump.
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Stereotactic Needle Biopsy
This is a sophisticated new technique especially useful for extremely small areas of concern that cannot be felt but are detected on mammography. This method involves combining mammogram and computer technology to pinpoint the area and draw out tissue for analysis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a mammogram?
If you are scheduling a routine screening mammogram and have no known breast problems (e.g. lumps, drainage or pain), call (912) 819-6800. If you are experiencing a problem or change in your breast, you may need a diagnostic mammogram. Contact your physician to make an appointment.
How do I obtain the results?
You will receive a letter from the radiologists, written in laymen's terms, summarizing the findings. You may request that your physician receive a copy as well.
Is it possible to obtain results at the time of my appointment?
Yes. Proper steps must be taken in advance to ensure the radiologist is available. Please inform the scheduler that you would like to speak to the radiologist regarding your mammogram results.
Is this a qualified mammography facility?
The Telfair Pavilion and its staff and radiologists are certified by the American College of Radiology. The facility is certified as a mammography facility by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in accordance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).
When should I have a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms beginning at age 40. A breast problem or family history of breast cancer may warrant more frequent or earlier mammograms.
Does insurance cover the procedure?
Confirm this with your insurance company prior to your appointment.
