Breast Care Program Services

State-of-the-art imaging

Options include:

• Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high resolution computer monitor. When reading the results of a digital mammogram, the radiologist is better able to manipulate the image on the computer to see through the breast more clearly. Digital mammography feels identical to conventional screening from a patient’s perspective, though women may notice shorter exam times and a reduction in return visits to obtain additional imaging. More on digital mammography.
• Breast MRI
• Breast ultrasound, also known as sonography or ultrasonography, is frequently used by Brattleboro Memorial Hospital physicians to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening or diagnostic mammography or during a physician-performed clinical breast exam. The ultrasound is a procedure in which high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine, forming a picture of body tissues. Ultrasound is excellent at imaging cysts: round, fluid-filled, pockets inside the breast. Additionally, ultrasound can often quickly determine if a suspicious area is in fact a cyst or an increased density of solid tissue which may require a biopsy to determine if it is malignant (cancerous). More on ultrasounds.
• Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides state-of-the–art stereotactic breast biopsy. Stereotactic biopsy is used to take tiny samples of your breast tissue that can be studied under a microscope. During this procedure, a mammogram-like X-ray helps find the tissue to be removed. Stereotactic biopsy may prevent the need for a surgical biopsy. Surgical biopsy is done by taking samples of tissue through an incision made in the skin.
• Your bone density can be safely, accurately and painlessly measured at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s bone density suite. Our Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry measures bone density and the mineral content of bone. Unlike typical x-rays , radiation exposure during bone densitometry is extremely low. The entire process takes only minutes to complete. It involves no injections or invasive procedures, and patients remain fully clothed. More on bone density.

For those services not available locally, the BMH Breast Care Program will help refer and coordinate additional care. Our Breast Care Program Nurse Navigator is available to assist with all of our breast patients’ needs. The Medical Director of the Program is BMH general surgeon, Stephen Fox, MD, whose subspecialty is breast surgery.

Diagnosis

Because we understand how scary it is to discover the possibility of breast cancer, we offer same-day diagnostic mammography as well as a full range of other diagnostic services. Our mission is to give every person the support they need during this time of uncertainty.

Diagnostic services – Our staff is fully trained in diagnostic mammography and breast ultrasound. And we offer the latest in diagnostic services including:

• Stereotactic core needle biopsies
• Breast MRI
• Sentinel lymph node biopsies
• Cyst aspiration
• Ultrasound core biopsies

Treatment

Our surgery suites feature state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and staff. Our medical staff’s experience and commitment enable us to offer a full range of breast surgical procedures.

If radiation is part of the treatment plan, we work with Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, NH.