Altru’s mammography facility is certified by the FDA and has received
accreditation from the American College of Radiology meeting MQSA standards.
All mammography offered at Altru is digital, meaning you receive the most
advanced technology and highest quality of care in the early detection
of breast cancer.
Your mammogram will include:
An assessment of your breast cancer risk, including your personal, family
and medical history
Following interpretation of your mammogram by a radiologist, a written
report will be sent to your primary care provider
As well as a letter sent to you with your mammogram results including follow-up
recommendations.
To schedule your mammogram, call
701.780.6157.
To schedule your mammogram in Crookston, call
218.281.9100 or in Devils Lake, call
701.662.2158 option #5.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a very useful tool in the early detection of breast cancer
and is often used to help interpret a mammogram or help in the evaluation
of a breast lump or finding on physical examination.
Most often it is used to help determine cystic (or fluid filled) masses
from solid masses.
Altru’s ultrasound department works in close collaboration with the
breast center physicians and mammography technologists.
Altru's ultrasound department is accredited through the American College
of Radiology.
Breast MRI
Altru’s Breast Center offers a 1.5 Tesla magnet and dedicated breast
coil, which is used to obtain images of the breasts after the patient
receives an intravenous contrast injection. Based on a patient’s
personal and family history, breast MRI may be recommended in select patients
where it is used as an adjunct screening tool to mammography for the early
detection of breast cancer. Additionally, in a select group of patients,
as determined by a physician, MRI may also be used as a diagnostic or
problem-solving test.
Breast Biopsy and Aspiration
Altru's Breast Center routinely performs hundreds of image guided biopsy
procedures annually. The Center routinely performs stereotactic, ultrasound
and MRI guided biopsies to aid in the detection and diagnosis of both
benign (non-cancerous) breast findings and breast cancer. Ultrasound-guided
biopsies are accredited through the American College of Radiology.
What to expect during a breast biopsy?
Patients will want to arrive to Altru’s Breast Center in loose and
comfortable clothing. While it is always welcome and may be comforting
to have a loved one or friend accompany you to and from a breast procedure,
it is not necessary. In fact, the majority of the patients come to their
procedure appointment alone.
First and foremost, our goal is to keep our patients comfortable and relaxed
throughout the biopsy procedure. Patients will be accompanied throughout
the procedure by one of our skilled professional staff.
Prior to undergoing a biopsy, the patient will meet with the performing
physician to discuss the procedure and answer any questions that they
may have with regards to the procedure.
A breast biopsy is performed using a sterile technique and local numbing
anesthesia. The biopsy equipment is guided to the correct location by
using either mammogram (stereotactic) images, ultrasound or MRI. Once
the appropriate position is determined, multiple samples are taken through
a single small skin nick or incision. Typically, a tiny biopsy clip or
marker is placed at the site where the biopsy was performed. The marker
is used to identify where samples were taken from and, in the event that
more tissue needs to be removed, the clip would then mark the area for
additional removal. Follow up mammogram images are often performed so
that the performing physician can see the biopsy site and the clip. The
patients are sent home with both verbal and detailed written instructions
as to how to care for the biopsy site.
Biopsy samples are evaluated by a pathologist at Altru, and patients can
expect to receive results directly within two to three business days.
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