Diagnostic tools
Our team of breast cancer experts uses state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to accurately locate and stage the disease, and develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Throughout your breast cancer treatment at City of Hope, we use imaging and laboratory tests to track the size of the tumors, monitor your response to treatment and modify your treatment if needed.
Among many others, City of Hope offers the following diagnostic evaluations to breast cancer patients.
Biopsy
Fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsies: Either of these minimally invasive procedures may be performed using certain imaging technology, such as ultrasound, breast MRI, mammography or CT scan.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy: During surgery for breast cancer, your doctor may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph glands under your arm. First, a radioactive substance and/or dye is injected under the skin of the breast. The first set of lymph nodes that pick up the dye are removed and reviewed by a pathologist to check for the presence of cancer cells.
Lab tests
Advanced genomic testing: Genomic testing examines a tumor on a cellular level to look for DNA alterations that are driving the growth of cancer. By identifying the mutations that occur in a cancer cell's genome, we may better understand what caused the tumor and tailor treatment based on these findings.
Oncotype DX®: The type of genomic test (also called the 21-gene test) helps determine if chemotherapy is likely to benefit women with early stage breast cancer. It also helps determine the likelihood of disease recurrence. With this information, you and your doctor can make more informed decision about your breast cancer treatment plan.
Ultrasound
This imaging technology uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of your breast tissues. It helps detect even slight abnormalities in dense breasts and helps determine whether a lump is a cyst (a sac containing fluid) or solid mass. Ultrasound may also be used to locate the position of a tumor in order to guide your doctor during a biopsy or aspiration procedure.
Mammography
Full-field digital mammography acquires sharp, digital images of the breasts with less radiation exposure. Once the digital images are received and transmitted to a high-tech, digital mammography workstation, a radiologist analyzes the images to determine the location and extent of the disease. This advanced breast cancer detection technology offers the potential for significant advances in breast cancer diagnosis, including lower radiation doses, reduced breast compression pressure and improved breast cancer detection rates. Often, clinicians use mammography to find early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ.
Digital breast tomosynthesis
Tomosynthesis is similar to a standard mammogram in that it uses X-ray technology and applies the same amount of pressure to the breast. But rather than providing two views—from top to bottom and side to side—the 3-D approach captures multiple views from a variety of angles in seconds.
MRI
MRI technology uses radiofrequency waves, powerful magnets and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of the breasts. MRI helps identify tumors that may have been missed by a mammogram.
PET/CT Scan
A PET/CT scan for breast cancer creates detailed, computerized pictures of your breasts, allowing your doctors to identify abnormal activity and the tumor location. This technology offers advanced motion management capabilities and can detect lesions as small as 2.8 millimeters.
