Breast Cancer Testing

If you suspect you might have breast cancer, you want to know for certain — and as quickly as possible.

At Tanner Breast Health, we have the tools to diagnose breast cancer or other breast health problems and the appropriate sense of urgency to provide the answers you need quickly.

Types of breast health testing

We offer the following diagnostic procedures for breast health:

Breast biopsy

The only way to diagnose breast cancer for certain is to remove a small sample of cells from your breast and view them under a microscope.

Diagnostic breast ultrasound

This test uses high-frequency sound waves to help your doctor look at the internal structures of your breast and check for abnormalities.

Diagnostic mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram uses X-rays to provide doctors with multiple views of the breast. You may have this test performed if a screening mammogram finds an abnormality or if you have symptoms that may indicate cancer, such as a lump, pain in the breast or nipple discharge.

Tanner offers digital diagnostic mammograms at three convenient locations:

Estrogen and progesterone receptor tests

Some types of breast cancer are driven by hormones and may respond to hormone therapy, so your doctor measures the amount of estrogen and progesterone in your cancer tissue.

Screening mammograms

Regular mammograms allow doctors to look for signs of breast cancer in women who do not have any symptoms of cancer or other breast disease.

Sentinel node mapping

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor must find out if your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes. Sentinel node mapping uses a radioactive tracer, or dye, to track the flow of lymph fluid that shows if and how your cancer is spreading.

When do I need breast diagnostic testing?

If you have symptoms that might indicate breast cancer, talk to your doctor about diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis. Learn more about Tanner’s mammography services.