Digital Mammography
Stereotactic Biopsy
Breast Ultrasound
Bone Density
 Clarkston's only Breast Center of Excellence
The McLaren Breast Center is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing advanced and comprehensive breast health services. The Breast Center features the latest diagnostic technology, which is critical to the early detection of breast cancer and other breast conditions. Other major components of the Breast Center include evaluation and treatment planning by a multidisciplinary team of specialists including Clarkston's only fellowship trained breast imaging radiologist. Becoming a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) is a voluntary process and was undertaken by the center to show its commitment to providing high quality services.
The BICOE designation means the breast imaging services at the center are fully accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by board certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, have determined that this facility has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs.
Advanced Imaging Technology and Diagnostics
Superior breast imaging and diagnostic techniques are paramount to making an accurate assessment regarding an individual case of breast cancer or breast disease. The McLaren Breast Center has access to high resolution imaging and advanced biopsy techniques, assuring the most accurate information in detecting any abnormalities.
Digital Mammography
The most advanced digital mammography equipment available is offered in Clarkston at the McLaren Breast Center. This mammography system incorporates revolutionary imaging technology that provides incredibly sharp images.
From the patient’s point of view, a digital mammogram is like traditional film screen mammography. Both use x-ray to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram captures the image on a special monitor. The resulting digital images are immediately available to the radiologist for review.
The radiologist views and manipulates the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. They can adjust brightness and contrast, and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses, and other changes that may be signs of early cancer.
Because there is no waiting for film to be developed, it can significantly reduce the time patients spend in the breast center, as well as reduce the need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure. Digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically.
Stereotactic Biopsy
This is a simple and safe procedure performed in the office by our team of breast imaging specialists. Advanced computer imaging technology is used to map the precise location of the area of interest in the breast that was seen on your mammogram.
This technology aids the physician in removing a small section of the suspicious tissue with pinpoint accuracy. The sample is sent to a pathologist, a physician specializing in the analysis of tissue samples under a microscope for diagnosis. The entire biopsy should take approximately one hour.
For more information on what a stereotactic breast biopsy entails click here.
Preparing for a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
On the day of your procedure, you will be asked to undress and put on a gown to wear. The technologist will position you face down on a specially designed table with your breast placed through an opening in the tabletop. The tabletop will be raised and the physician and technologist will perform the procedure from beneath the table.
Your breast will be slightly compressed and held in a fixed position to ensure the accuracy of the procedure. X-ray images will be taken, and special software will map the exact location where tissue samples will be taken.
The skin over the biopsy area will be cleansed with a special disinfecting soap, and numbed with a local anesthetic injected into the breast with a small, thin needle. A small incision will be made and the biopsy instrument will be inserted. You may feel some slight pressure during this time. As the samples are taken, you may hear a 'click' from the biopsy device. Several samples will be taken to ensure the most accurate diagnosis possible.
When the procedure is completed, a sterile gauze and an ice pack will be applied over the incision to minimize swelling and bleeding. Before you leave, a simple pressure bandage and some sterile strips will be placed over the incision. Stitches are not required for this procedure.
Once you receive instructions concerning the care of the biopsied area, you will be free to dress and go home.
Before the Biopsy Procedure
There are several things you can do to make your procedure easier and more efficient.
- Discuss any medication you are taking with your physician. You may be asked to discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications, including aspirin and aspirin-like products, a number of days prior to your biopsy procedure.
- Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to remove.
- Avoid the use of deodorant, underarm powders or creams before the procedure. They may interfere with the quality of the images taken during your procedure.
- Eat a light meal before your procedure.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at (248) 922-6810.
Breast Ultrasound
Examines breast tissue using sound waves to produce pictures.
Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy
Your doctor has recommended that you have a breast biopsy to collect a small sample of tissue that will be sent to pathology for testing and diagnosis. This outpatient procedure requires minimal preparation and recovery time. You can be confident that your biopsy will provide quality results to ensure the most accurate diagnosis possible.
To Learn What to Expect Before, During and After Your Procedure click here.
Preparing for Your Procedure
There is no special preparation required in advance of your biopsy procedure. You may want to wear loose clothing for comfort. You may eat or drink what you normally do and perform you typical daily activities before arriving for your breast biopsy.
You should inform your doctor in advance of any medications you are currently taking whether prescription or over-the-counter. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners such as Coumadin, natural herbs, Vitamin E and other vitamins. Your doctor may advise you that some of these medications must be temporarily stopped several days prior to your biopsy.
Your biopsy will be performed in an outpatient setting. The entire procedure takes place in five steps:
- Numbing of the breast with medicine
- Imaging the breast to identify the biopsy area
- Inserting a small needle into your breast to retrieve the tissue samples
- Remove the small amount of tissue
- Placing a small marker to identify the biopsy site
During Your Procedure
After you have been properly positioned for your biopsy, your breast will be imaged and the area to be biopsied located. Your skin will be cleansed with antiseptic and numbed. Sometimes, a very small nick is made to help the biopsy needle enter the breast with ease. You may feel some pressure, but most women report no pain.
The biopsy procedure will take a very short time. Multiple tissue samples will be collected. A final set of images may be taken and your physician may place a small marker at the biopsy site for future reference to identify the exact location of the biopsy. The marker is made of titanium and poses no health or safety risk. You will not be able to feel or notice the marker after placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much of the breast tissue or lump will be removed?
A: Physicians will only take the necessary amount of tissue samples.
Q:How long will the biopsy take?
A: Biopsy times vary. Typically, taking a total of one hour from the time you enter the exam room to the time you leave. The actual biopsy time is less than one minute.
Q: Will I have a scar?
A: Most women do not experience any permanent scarring.
Q: Will I experience any pain during the procedure?
A: You might feel a slight sting or pinch when the numbing medication is being inserted into the breast. Numbing the breast prior to the biopsy causes the rest of the procedure to be pain free.
Q: What possible side effects should I know about?
A: Your breast may be slightly tender and you may experience some mild bruising at the biopsy site: however, most women can resume normal daily activities the day after the procedure. Consult your physician for post-procedure care.
Wire Localization of the Breast
A special needle and X-rays are used to identify the precise location of abnormal breast tissue for the purpose of performing a breast biopsy.
Fine needle aspiration
Aspiration of breast cyst fluid using a fine needle.
Bone Density
 A screening for osteoporosis. No preparation time is needed and the examination takes approximately 10 minutes. The procedure determines bone mass. Bone mineral measurements are very highly correlated to predict the potential for bone fractures.
Scheduling and Referrals
For more information or to schedule a diagnostic test or appointment, contact the McLaren Breast Center at (248) 922-6810.
Location
McLaren Breast Center
Clarkston Medical Building
 Suite 255
5701 Bow Pointe Drive
Clarkston, Michigan 48346
Phone: (248) 922-6810
Fax: (248) 922-6811
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