Breast Imaging Services
The Comprehensive Breast Center houses digital mammography, high resolution ultrasound and stereotactic core biopsy units with individual dressing areas outside each unit. The clinical areas include examination rooms, consultation areas and a patient library. Ductography is available to evaluate nipple discharge. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is performed at Baystate Medical Center using a dedicated breast coil. Images are interpreted in conjunction with digital mammography images.
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Screening and Diagnostic Digital Mammography
Using digital mammography, the Comprehensive Breast Center offers state-of-the-art mammographic equipment fully accredited by the American College of Radiology. This allows for high-quality imaging with the lowest possible radiation dose.
Mammograms are interpreted by Radiology and Imaging physicians with expertise in breast imaging. Screening and diagnostic mammograms are interpreted promptly by radiologists. Studies are performed by specialized technologists, all of whom are specifically licensed to perform mammography by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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Breast Ultrasound
Two dedicated high-definition ultrasound units are also located at the Comprehensive Breast Center. Needle biopsy procedures (see below) are offered using ultrasound or digital stereo tactic guidance. These procedures can provide extremely accurate, specific diagnoses and significantly reduce the need for open surgical biopsies of the breast.
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Breast Core Biopsy
A core biospy is a needle sampling technique used for breast abnormalities. It is extremely accurate and well-tolerated by patients. At Baystate's Comprehensive Breast Center, state-of-the-art stereotactic or ultrasound guidance equipment is used.
During this procedure, a needle is used to take at least five samples, allowing the physician to biopsy several different parts of the abnormal region.
Breast Core biopsy offers numerous advantages to the patient:
- It is a less invasive way of obtaining the tissue needed for diagnosis.
- It requires less recovery time than surgery.
- There is no significant scarring or cosmetic deformity.
- Women can return to normal routines after the procedure. (However, strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours and aspirin should be avoided for 24-48 hours.)
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Evaluation of an abnormal mammogram, breast lump or breast pain
The Diagnostic Program ensures that women with an abnormal mammogram or breast lump are evaluated quickly, following the highest quality guidelines.
The Breast Surgery team of surgeons, nurse practioners and nurse navigators coordinate testing, evaluation and follow-up. Fortunately, most breast lumps and abnormal mammograms are benign. However, for those who are found to have a high risk lesion or breast cancer, the next steps of care are meticulously planned.
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FAST TRACK Program
The Fast Track service at Baystate’s Comprehensive Breast Center significantly reduces the time between an abnormal mammogram and biopsy, and more importantly, through coordination of care, reduces the time from abnormal mammogram to definitive treatment. With Fast Track, the patient’s physician agrees in advance that if an abnormality is detected on the mammogram, permission is granted to perform a biopsy, if indicated. A nurse practitioner then immediately assumes coordination of the patient’s care, completes a health history, performs a physical and a breast exam to see if the lesion can be felt, and schedules the ultrasound and core biopsy as soon as possible.
Learn more about Fast Track....
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Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Second Opinions
The Multidisciplinary Approach
Women with breast cancer can be assured that they are receiving the highest quality care from our team of breast specialists. Breast Surgeons, Medical Oncologists, and Radiation Oncologists work closely with each other to evaluate treatment and discuss options with each patient. Plastic Surgeons are available to women considering these services. Clinical pathways have been developed for patients with locally advanced breast cancers and those needing preoperative chemotherapy to facilitate smooth flow in multispecialty care.
Each newly diagnosed patient’s treatment recommendations are reviewed at our weekly Multidisciplinary Breast Pathology Conference. Here, expert radiologists provide second opinion on breast imaging and breast pathologists review details from biopsy and surgical specimens under the microscope. The multidisciplinary group of clinicians provides consensus as to treatment options. Opportunities for participation in Clinical Trials are also discussed. Breast Health nurse navigators follow guidelines established to coordinate follow-up appointments.
Learn about the Radioactive Seed Localization program for breast surgery.
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Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Surgical oncologists at Baystate’s Comprehensive Breast Center now offer oncoplastic surgery, which provides women the opportunity to have cancerous tissue removed and their breast repaired cosmetically — all in one surgery.
In the past, women with breast cancer have had cancerous tissue removed by one surgeon — through a lumpectomy— and then would later undergo a separate procedure with a plastic surgeon for either repair or reconstruction.
Today, cancer surgeons can become trained in performing cosmetic techniques that better preserve the breast’s shape with fewer procedures and less trauma. Baystate is among the few hospitals in the Northeast with cancer surgeons trained in oncoplastic surgery.
During this procedure, the surgeon removes a woman’s breast tumor while also removing surrounding normal tissue to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed. At the same time, the surgeon fills the gap by reshaping or moving the tissue around it. The result of the procedure is a whole breast without an empty cavity, thereby decreasing the risk of a deformed breast.
This technique can allow a woman with a larger tumor, who otherwise would need a mastectomy, to undergo a lumpectomy with preservation of the breast. Post-lumpectomy radiation would still be required as is standard for all breast conservation treatment.
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Medical Oncology - visit the Baystate Medical Oncology Dept.
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Radiation Oncology - visit the Baystate Radiation Oncology Dept.
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Genetic Counseling and Testing
Women with a personal or family history of breast cancer may be evaluated to see if they have inherited a gene which predisposes them to breast and ovarian cancer.
Genetic counseling and testing is performed at the Comprehensive Breast Center for patients who meet criteria using established national guidelines. This allows women to have comprehensive consultation which not only addresses genetics but importantly provides personalized plan on what strategies make sense for risk reduction.
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High Risk Assessment and Counseling
Women with a family history of breast cancer or with a personal history of benign breast disease are evaluated and provided with personalized recommendations for risk reduction. If women meet standardized criteria, they may be recommended to consider genetic testing. Whether or not a woman is found to be at genetic risk, high risk women are provided with a plan that includes frequency of screening procedures, information on chemopreventative agents and education on lifestyle strategies.
Women who choose to have regular follow-up in the High Risk Clinic have:
- Yearly follow up visits coordinated. Women have SAME DAY appointments for Clinical Breast Exam and digital mammography with copies of reports sent to PCP and GYN offices.
- Appropriate use of Breast MRI and interpretation (according to guidelines agreed upon by the Breast Health Network)
- Prompt referral to a breast surgeon for any breast problems.
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Survivorship Program
Most women diagnosed with breast cancer today have an 80-90% chance of being alive in 10 years. An improvement in survival of 2% a year over the past decade is the result of better screening and more effective treatments. However, breast cancer survivors need to be especially vigilant about their health.
For this reason, the Comprehensive Breast Center offers the Breast Cancer Survivorship Program. The goals of the program include:
- Proper follow-up to detect local or distant recurrence and second cancers.
- Management of health issues that may be a result of treatment.
- Promotion of wellness.
Women in the program are seen annually by nurse practitioners Sandra Hubbard and Catherine Tipton, who are trained in health maintenance and symptom management. During the visit, they discuss breast, heart, and bone health; avoiding weight gain; and management of menopausal symptoms without using estrogen. Family history is updated, and a breast exam performed. Women are scheduled for their annual mammogram in conjunction with their visit. SAME DAY appointments are made for yearly physical exam and digital mammogram with copies of reports sent to PCP and Gyn offices. To read more about the Survivorship Program and other educational and informational program visit our website.
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Education and Outreach
Rays of Hope is more than just the walk. The money raised through the walk and other programs supports a wide variety of programs, services, grants and research projects throughout Western Massachusetts. Visit the Education & Outreach page to see how the funds raised have been allocated and all the programs and services ROH dollars support.
Rays of Hope helps pay for a breast health booklet in English and Spanish that is distributed at educational programs, health fairs, and is available for any woman coming to Baystate for screening mammography. Funding from Rays of Hope also provides for an educational notebook that is assembled with individually selected information for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Comprehensive Breast Center features a resource library that is open to the public and that was made possible through generous contributions from the Rays of Hope Walk.
An important part of the Comprehensive Breast Center’s mission is reaching out to women to educate them about breast health, and to assist those who may not have access to services. Sandra Hubbard, NP, has been doing outreach to the Western Massachusetts community for the past 15 years by speaking to local organizations about breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Individual Counseling and Support Groups
Breast Cancer Support Groups
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Clinical Trials
Women are given information about clinical trials available at Baystate Medical Center both through national cooperative groups and local clinical research studies.
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OFF SITE Service - Baystate Lymphedema Clinic
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OFF SITE Service - Baystate Plastic Surgery
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