One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection is key. The UT Health East Texas HOPE Breast Care Center offers breast care services across East Texas, including a travelling mammography unit to make getting the care you need easy and convenient.
The best way to detect breast cancer early is through a mammogram screening. Annual mammogram screening should begin at age 40. The incidence of breast cancer increases substantially around age 40. Women at higher risk for breast cancer due to family history or other factors should speak to their doctor about initiating annual screening early than age 40.
It’s important to receive a mammogram annually. According to board-certified diagnostic radiologist, Dr. Michael Klouda, even for women ages 50 and older, skipping a mammogram every other year would miss up to 30% of cancers.
The earlier we catch it, the earlier we can start treatment and the better chance of survival.
3D Mammography in Tyler
3D mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) allows the radiologist to see through the breast tissue better than the traditional 2D mammogram. This technology allows images to be divided up in multiple layers, allowing the radiologist to review one layer at a time, reducing the tissue overlap effect. This helps the radiologist find smaller cancers that may be harder to find at an earlier stage.
The patient experience for 3D mammography is very similar to that of 2D, each breast is still compressed in two different positions. The difference is in what the machine does. Instead of the camera staying stationary as it would in 2D, it makes a small arc as it takes the photo, which takes about three to four seconds. This allows the radiologist to go back after the photo is taken and divide it into multiple slices to get a better view of the breast tissue.
3D mammography is offered in Tyler at the UT Health East Texas HOPE Breast Care Center, UT Health East Texas Physicians on Patriot Drive, UT Health East Texas North Campus Tyler and on the mobile mammography unit, which also travels to surrounding areas in East Texas. The full mobile mammography schedule is below.
Additional breast care services are offered in Tyler, North Campus Tyler, Athens, Henderson, or Jacksonville. We also have mammography services at several of our clinics, UT Health East Texas Physicians on South Broadway in Tyler and UT Health East Texas Physicians Cedar Creek Lake in Gun Barrel City.
The mobile mammography unit that travels to many other communities throughout East Texas. Scroll down to see our full mobile mammography calendar to see when we'll be in your community.
Videos
Services
The UT Health East Texas HOPE Breast Care Centers offer a wide range of services including the following:
The latest full-field digital mammography equipment
Digital mammography is the best tool for early detection. We offer digital and 3-D mammography, offering sharper images than film and no wait time for film to be developed. The computer enhancements help detect signs of early cancer, as well as abnormalities in dense breast tissue.
Digital mobile mammography unit
The mobile mammography unit offers breast tomosynthesis, also called 3-D mammogrpahy and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), an advnaced form of breast imaging which uses a low-dose X-ray system and computer reconstructions to create three-dimensional images of the breasts. Breast tomosynthesis aids in the early detection and diagnosis of breast tissue.
R2 ImageChecker computer-aided detection system
The ImageChecker scans mammogram films and marks areas of calcification, distortion and small masses, producing a video display which clearly indicates potential abnormalities requiring further study. Dr. Michael Klouda, board-certified diagnostic radiologist says early breast cancer can be difficult to detect. "It's like finding grains of salt on a cotton ball. The ImageChecker will increase our detection rate of invasive cancers."
Stereotactic breast biopsy
This minimally invasive procedure requires only a quarter-inch-long incision, which no stitches needed. Using an ultrasound probe or an X-ray, the doctor gently vacuums out suspect tissue for examination. Tissue samples collected using this process are just as reliable as open surgical biopsies and three times more accurate than core needle biopsies in the diagnosis of conditions associated with early breast cancer.
Breast ultrasound
An ultrasound of the breast is used to confirm the presence or absence of a mass in women who have dense breast tissue, which could make the mass difficult to see. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to scan the tissue of the breast. Radiologists sometimes use this painless method to distinguish fluid-filled cysts from solid masses.
Breast MRI
Magnetic resonance breast imaging is a supplemental tool to help us diagnose breast cancer. It is often used to investigate breast problems first detected by mammography or other imaging exams. Younger women at high risk of breast cancer also may benefit from this screening. MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the breast.
Benefits include the following:
- Can image breast implants and look for leaks or ruptures
- Used effectively in dense breasts
- Can help determine what type of surgery is needed, such as lumpectomy or mastectomy
- May detect breast cancer recurrences and residual tumors after lumpectomy
- Can locate primary tumor where cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
- Can spot small abnormalities that are not apparent on mammography
- May be useful in screening women at high risk for breast cancer
Genetic testing Genetic testing can help determine if you're at increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer due to your family history.
Bone density tests During this simple test, the patient lies on a padded table while the unit scans the body. No injection or invasive procedure is involved. The patient remains fully clothed. The test can detect osteoporosis and provides your doctor with information regarding your bone strength.