The Montgomery Breast Center also offers breast ultrasound and a range of interventional diagnostic procedures. These procedures are used to identify abnormalities or suspicious masses that appear during your mammogram. We provide these services, and their results, in a prompt fashion because we understand the anxiety, apprehension and concern faced by women and their families as they wait for their results.

In order to familiarize you with the types of procedures commonly used, we offer the following overviews for your information:

Breast Ultrasound
Frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening or diagnostic exams, or during a physician-performed clinical breast exam. Ultrasound is excellent at imaging cysts— round, fluid filled pockets inside the breast. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from a transducer, or “wand,” through the breast. These waves bounce or “echo” off the breast to reveal abnormalities. This echo is picked up by the transducer and translated by a computer to create a breast image that is displayed on a computer monitor.

Ductography (Galactography)
An examination of the milk ducts to evaluate nipple discharge. Most nipple discharges are due to benign changes and are not a sign of breast cancer. When the discharge is spontaneous, clear or bloody, and the discharge is coming from one duct, it should be evaluated. This is accomplished by placing a tiny tube in the opening of the duct, through which a small amount of liquid dye is injected. A mammogram is then performed. The dye makes the duct visible on the mammogram, enabling the doctor to identify defects within the duct.

Cyst Aspiration
These are generally performed for two reasons: If the cyst is painful, or if it is not a typical simple cyst. The breast is first imaged by ultrasound to visualize the cyst and then a small needle is employed to numb the area of the breast around the cyst. The fluid within the cyst is then drained.

Core Needle Biopsy
Performed when there is an indeterminate area found by either mammogram or ultrasound. Depending on how the area is best visualized, either ultrasound or stereotactic guidance will be used.

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy- Suspicious area is located by ultrasound and the breast is numbed. A tiny nick is made on the breast and a needle is inserted which retrieves tiny cores of tissue. The tissue is then sent to the lab for further study. Firm pressure is then applied for 5-10 minutes, followed by an ice pack.

Stereotactic Guided Biopsy- Patient lies on a table which has an opening through which the breast protrudes. The breast is then compressed as if for a mammogram. The suspicious area is visualized using digital imaging and the breast is numbed. A tiny nick is made on the breast and a needle is inserted which retrieves 8-10 tiny cores of tissue. The tissue is then sent to the lab for further study. Firm pressure is then applied for 5-10 minutes, followed by an ice pack.
Patients return the next day for results and a check of the biopsy site.

Minimally Invasive
All of the interventional diagnostic procedures offered at MBC utilize the latest minimally invasive technology. The procedures are relatively painless and patients usually may resume normal, day-to-day activities upon leaving the Center.

Southern Medical Women's Health Boutique comes to the Montgomery Breast Center once a week by appointment. They offer a full line of post-mastectomy products: breast forms, mastectomy bras, wigs, hats and lymphedema sleeves. Kathy Wiersma can be reached at (205) 222-0545 to make an appointment or ask any questions.

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