Breast Care Center

Overview

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital’s Breast Care Center is committed to helping you take charge of your breast health. We offer comprehensive screening and diagnostic services for women and men through a coordinated approach of an interdisciplinary team of radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, nurses and technologists.

Our center offers the latest services in breast health including screening and diagnostic digital mammography, 3D breast tomosynthesis, ultrasound, ultrasound-guided biopsy, needle localizations, stereotactic core biopsy and MRI breast imaging and biopsies. Exemplifying our commitment to high quality, we also use a computer-aided device (CAD system) as a “second-look” aid to radiologists in the interpretation of mammograms.

Our desire is to set you at ease about mammography and related diagnostic procedures. That is why we take a personal, confidential approach, providing not only medical services but also individual case management when necessary.

Our dedicated Breast Nurse Coordinator sees all patients who have an irregular mammogram, offering support and information; answering questions; and acting as a liaison between you, referring physicians, and – if necessary – surgeons and medical oncologists. The Nurse Coordinator also stays with you during all procedures at our Breast Care Center and will maintain contact with you throughout any subsequent treatment.

Mercy Hospital’s Breast Care Center has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

If you receive a cancer diagnosis, Mercy Hospital’s Cancer Center is one of only 16 cancer centers in the nation to earn the Commission Cancer’s Outstanding Achievement Award four or more times in a row.

Learn more about Mercy Hospital’s Cancer Center

Services

Screening and diagnostic mammograms

If you’re over 40, physicians recommend an annual X-ray examination of the breast, also known as a screening mammogram. It’s used to detect cancer that may be too small for you or your doctor to find.

A diagnostic mammogram is more detailed than a screening mammogram and is an X-ray of the breast used when a woman has a breast complaint (breast mass, nipple discharge) or an abnormality is found during a screening mammogram.

Breast MRI and MRI-guided breast biopsy

A breast MRI employs magnetization and radio waves instead of X-rays to produce detailed images of the breast tissue. An MRI-guided breast biopsy – appropriate in certain cases – takes less than an hour and minimizes the need for a larger surgery, a bigger incision and more tissue removal. Recovery time is brief, sutures are not required, and patients can return to normal activities almost immediately.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

This procedure is done with a special mammographic machine that uses mammogram images from two views with a computer that calculates the precise location of a breast mass or calcifications, then guides the placement of the biopsy needle.

3D Breast Tomosynthesis

Four Selenia® Dimensions® system’s Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ units by Hologic have been added to our arsenal of breast cancer detection tools. The revolutionary Selenia Dimensions system, which has set the new standard in mammography screening, provides exceptionally sharp images, advanced clinical applications, and ergonomic design for patient comfort and ease of operation. Breast tomosynthesis offers a 41 percent increase in invasive breast cancer detection advantage over 2D mammography and up to 40 percent reduction in false-positive recalls.

Board Certified Breast Surgeons

For individuals who must undergo breast surgery for cancer, our board-certified breast surgeons are involved early in the care planning process.

Education and support services

Breast Surgery Education Class

Mercy Hospital offers a class with a personalized educational notebook for women undergoing breast surgery for cancer. Specially trained nurses teach the class and answer any questions a woman may have prior to and after surgery. Talk to your surgeon if you would like to attend and your physician’s office can make the arrangements. For more information, call 330.430.2788.

Breast Cancer Support Services

The Breast Care Center offers a variety of programs focused on special breast health needs of women, including breast cancer prevention, education and support services.

ANGEL Network

Although African American women are less likely to develop breast cancer than other races, statistics show their mortality rate is higher. To address this concern, our Cancer Center adopted a local chapter of the African American Women Nurturing and Giving Each Other Life (ANGEL) Network.

Mammography

Women over 40 without breast complaints should undergo an annual X-ray examination of the breast, also known as a screening mammogram. Used as a preventive tool, the goal of screening mammography is to find cancer too small to be felt by you or your doctor.

Mercy Hospital offers conveniently located mammography sites with private rooms and female staff of certified technologists. Our mammography equipment delivers low-dose, X-ray radiation, and all facilities have been accredited by the American College of Radiology. Our clinical staff is comprised of board-certified radiologists who specialize in mammography. Mercy Hospital has achieved the highest ratings under the MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act).

View our list of mammography locations at Mercy Hospital

What to expect during your mammogram

During a screening mammogram, you are required to undress above the waist and put on the provided wrap. A technologist then positions your breasts for the mammogram. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes and includes a few seconds of breast compression. You will receive your mammogram results within 30 days. If anything requires further evaluation, you will be contacted within five working days.

Diagnostic mammography procedures

Current medical technology now makes it possible to diagnose breast cancer without surgery. In addition to screening mammography, the Breast Care Center offers a full range of mammography and other minimally invasive biopsy procedures including:

Diagnostic mammogram: More detailed than a screening mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram is used when a woman has a breast complaint or an abnormality is found during a screening mammogram.
Breast ultrasound: Used to help identify breast cysts and other abnormalities, an ultrasound may be utilized alone or in conjunction with mammography. The ultrasound is a particularly useful test for women under 30 or women with dense breast tissue.
Breast biopsy: Using equipment specifically designed for breasts, the biopsy takes about an hour to perform, costs less than surgical biopsy, requires only a local anesthetic and does not leave scars.
Breast MRI and breast MRI-guided stereotactic biopsies: The breast MRI, which employs magnetization and radio waves instead of X-rays to produce detailed images, may be used in addition to other diagnostic procedures.

The Breast Care Center also provides stereotactic breast biopsies, needle locations and breast ultrasound-guided biopsy.

Our Team