Breast Health Services for Women
Leaders in Breast Health Technology and Compassionate Care in Northeast Ohio
University Hospitals Breast Health Center provides innovative and personal care aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating benign and malignant breast disease. Our board-certified breast health doctors are recognized as experts in the field, and UH Breast Health Center physicians lead an accredited Breast Center of Excellence designated by the American College of Radiology. Our team specializes in:
- Tomosynthesis (digital 3D mammography)
- Breast ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
- Stereotactic biopsy
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Contrast Enhanced Mammography
Prevention and early detection are the keys to optimizing breast health. UH Breast Health Center focuses on patient-centered care. We understand that many women are busy taking care of others and forgo their yearly mammograms and preventative care measures. At University Hospitals, we make it as easy as possible for individuals to have access to advanced digital mammograms, ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at convenient locations.
The UH Breen Women's Health Pavilion on the campus of University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center is the primary location for UH Breast Health Center, and our services are also available at other UH facilities throughout northeast Ohio.
Specialization in Noncancerous Breast Conditions
Benign (noncancerous) breast conditions are common. Unlike breast cancer, benign breast conditions are not life-threatening. However, some benign breast conditions increase a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer later on. Noncancerous breast conditions include:
- Fibroadenoma
- Phyllodes tumor
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Intraductal papilloma
- Mammary fat necrosis
- Mastitis
High-Risk Breast Conditions
- Atypical ductal hyperplasia
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Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is the growth of abnormal cells in the milk ducts, which are the tubes that can carry breast milk to the nipple. ADH is not breast cancer. However, having the condition can put you at an increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
Depending on the extent of the abnormality on breast imaging, ADH can be removed surgically (excisional biopsy). The purpose of surgery is to make sure there is not an underlying cancer that was missed by the core needle biopsy. This can occur approximately 15 percent of the time. If cancer is not found in the biopsy, which is the most common outcome, the patient may be recommended for high-risk breast cancer screening to catch breast cancer early if it develops. Unfortunately, removing the ADH does not lower the future breast cancer risk. For some women, close surveillance may be appropriate instead of surgery.
- Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia
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Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia (ALH) is the abnormal growth of cells in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands of the breasts. ALH is not breast cancer. However, having the condition puts you at an increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
ALH typically does not require treatment. Instead, your breast specialist may recommend more frequent breast screenings and surveillance to check for any changes in breast tissue. This is called active surveillance. Some patients may be advised to have surgery to remove the abnormal tissue to confirm that breast cancer is not present.
- Lobular Carcinoma In Situ
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Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is an uncommon condition in which abnormal cells develop in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breasts but do not spread outside them. LCIS is a benign condition and it is not considered breast cancer. However, a LCIS diagnosis means you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in either breast.
If you’ve been diagnosed with LCIS, your breast specialist may recommend high-risk breast cancer screening to catch breast cancer early should it develop later. Your breast specialist may also recommend preventive therapy (chemoprevention), which is medication therapy intended to reduce breast cancer risk. Rarely, surgery may be advised. For example, surgery is often done to treat pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS), which is a specific type of LCIS believed to carry a greater risk of a missed breast cancer than other types.
- Flat Epithelial Atypia
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Flat epithelial atypia (FEA) is a noncancerous cell change in the lobules, the milk-producing glands of the breasts. The condition occurs when abnormal-looking (atypical) cells build up inside the lobules. This causes the lobules and the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) to enlarge. FEA is usually detected during a breast biopsy. The condition does not cause any noticeable physical signs or symptoms.
Treatment for FEA typically involves close monitoring and follow-up. Women diagnosed with FEA typically do not qualify for more frequent breast screenings and surveillance unless they are at higher risk for breast cancer for other reasons.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer, which can affect both men and women, is the most serious breast disease. This condition involves the abnormal growth of cells in the breast tissue, which usually occurs in the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that produce milk). Like most conditions, early detection is a key component to the successful treatment.
Breast Disorder Screening
Screening is testing for the presence of a disease before a person has symptoms. Early detection of breast cancer and other breast disorders through screening greatly improves treatment outcomes.
Our specialists suggest the following guidelines for breast cancer screening:
| Age | 20-39 | 40-49 | 50-75 | 76+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast self-exam | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly |
| Clinical breast exam by a doctor | Every 3 years | Yearly | Yearly | Yearly |
| Mammogram | — | Yearly | Yearly | Yearly as long as in good health and would act on results |
If a patient’s self-exam, physical exam from a doctor or mammogram suggests an abnormality, they may need more testing, including:
- Diagnostic Mammogram: A screening mammogram takes X-ray images of each breast. A diagnostic mammogram takes X-ray images of a suspicious area in one breast from multiple angles to provide a more detailed look.
- Ultrasound: A breast ultrasound can be useful for evaluating certain breast changes, such as lumps that can be felt but are not seen on a mammogram. A breast ultrasound is another screening tool and is particularly useful for women who cannot have a breast MRI for screening. Breast ultrasound may also be used to examine a suspicious area found on a mammogram.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves to capture images of breast. This test may be used along with mammograms to screen women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. University Hospitals also offers the Fast Breast MRI at several locations where breast MRIs are performed. This 10-minute, self-pay, low-cost examination is ideal for women with dense breast tissue.
Schedule Your Mammogram Appointment Online
Use our convenient online scheduling tool to book your mammogram appointment today or call 216-844-2778.