Breast Tests & Procedures

A breast biopsy is a small piece of breast tissue that is removed and checked in a lab. This is done to see if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

Magnetic resonance imaging creates detailed images of the body using large magnets and a computer. For breast MRI, a woman will lie face down with her breasts positioned through holes in a table.

A breast scan is an imaging test to look at your breasts. It is used when a mammogram has not given your health care provider enough information.

Breast ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at your breasts. It can help your healthcare provider find breast problems. It also lets your provider see how well blood is flowing to areas in your breasts. This test is often used along with mammography.

Timing your mammogram when your breasts are not tender is important. In premenopausal women, this is usually 1 week after a menstrual period.

Digital mammograms are as effective as traditional X-ray mammograms. They also offer several advantages.

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is sometimes called a lumpectomy or a partial mastectomy. It may be done as part of a treatment plan for breast cancer. With BCS, only the part of the breast that has cancer is removed.

A mastectomy is surgery to remove a breast. It is part of treatment for breast cancer. Here's what you need to know about this procedure.

Breast augmentation surgery increases the size or the fullness of the breasts using sacs filled with fluid or gel. These sacs are called breast implants. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this surgery.