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Exemplifying the hospital's commitment to women's services, The Breast Center at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen provides comprehensive breast care services from leading-edge imaging techniques — like full-field digital mammography — to minimally invasive treatment options, all in a warm, supportive environment.
The facility boasts a collaborative setting, where a caring team of nurses and physicians on the medical staff, including radiologists and breast surgeons, are on site. Services include:
Screening Mammography
According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is one in eight. Fortunately, early detection allows more treatment options and often offers greater chances of survival.
The American Cancer Society states that screening mammography is the most effective method for detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages and can detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. The Breast Center at Texas Health Allen is proud to offer digital mammography, technology that allows shorter exam times and powerful new viewing options.
Beginning at age 40, all women are encouraged to have an annual clinical breast exam and screening mammogram. A woman who is at higher than average risk for breast cancer should begin screening even earlier. Because every woman has different risk factors, talk to your doctor about the screening schedule that's right for you.
Breast Ultrasound
According to the National Cancer Institute, breast ultrasonography uses ultrasonic sound waves to produce an image of the breast. The non-invasive procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and the patient usually experiences no discomfort from the ultrasound device.
Circumstances where ultrasonography may be used to detect and classify breast abnormalities include:
- Women with dense breasts
- Women with fibrocystic breast disease
- Young or pregnant women with masses
- Women with breast implants
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Once a breast lump or breast abnormality has been detected, the doctor may want to conduct a breast biopsy. Stereotactic breast biopsy is a safe and minimally invasive form of breast biopsy and can spare most patients the discomfort and scarring associated with a surgical breast biopsy. The procedure involves taking sample tissue from the suspicious area to determine whether the breast lump is cancerous. Digital imaging enables a physician to use the computer-guided Mammotome® probe to gently collect tissue samples through one small half-inch incision. Performed on an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, the exam usually takes about one and a half to two hours.
Surgical Alternatives
The patient-centered philosophy of care found at the Breast Center means patients are given a range of treatment alternatives and educated on their surgical options. Because breast reconstruction is often an important part of a woman's total recovery, reconstructive surgeons on the medical staff offer advanced treatment with attentive personal care.
In addition to advanced clinical care found at the Breast Center, a breast health navigator is on hand to guide patients through the treatment process. An advanced practice nurse with an in-depth understanding of the disease process, the breast health navigator helps patients access the services and support they need. Along with emotional support, there is a dedicated patient area that serves as a valuable resource to help patients make informed decisions about their care.
The retail boutique carries a selection of distinctive gifts and a wide range of functional products, including skin care items, nutrition supplements, wigs and prostheses (with a certified fitter). A portion of the proceeds from the boutique go to funding diagnostic care for uninsured women in Collin County.
Bone Densitometry
Osteoporosis is a silent progressive disease that involves a gradual loss of calcium, causing bones to become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects nearly one-half of all postmenopausal women and is responsible for up to 1.5 million fractures a year.
Bone densitometry, which measures bone mineral density (BMD), is a non-invasive, accurate method for detecting osteoporosis and is another service offered at the Breast Center. If your bone density is found to be low, you and your doctor can work together on a treatment plan to help prevent fractures before they occur. Osteoporosis education and support group information are also available.
Located in Suite 2100 in Medical Office Building II on the Texas Health campus, the Breast Center offers a convenient and important resource for women's health services. For more information or to schedule a screening mammogram, call 972-747-6000.
If you need help finding a physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Allen, call 1-877-THR-WELL (1-877-847-9355) or visit our Find a Physician page.
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