UT San Antonio
UT Health Physicians
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Breast Imaging

Women speaking with physician

UT Health San Antonio takes care of all your breast imaging needs in one place, offering comprehensive breast imaging services in an academic setting. We’ve created a supportive environment where our specialists work seamlessly to deliver expert care across South Texas. With access to advanced imaging and innovative technology, your care team has you covered from routine screenings to diagnosing and treating cancer.

What is breast imaging? 

Breast imaging includes technology like mammography, ultrasound or MRI to capture images of breast tissue to look for cancer. We use it to help detect and diagnose conditions, including cancer.

It’s not unusual to be a little apprehensive before a mammogram, especially if it’s your first time having one. Millions of mammograms are performed each year, and it’s the most effective way to find and treat breast cancer early. 

Only 1.5% to 2% of mammogram patients need to have a biopsy afterward to check suspicious tissue. Approximately 20% of women who undergo a biopsy receive a cancer diagnosis, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The best way to detect breast cancer is to get annual screening mammograms starting at age 40. 

Why choose us?

At UT Health San Antonio, our highly skilled team of specialists makes sure you have a personalized experience. We design your care plan based on your specific needs and goals. Throughout your journey, there is always someone available to answer your questions and discuss your concerns.

We are also the only academic health center in San Antonio that offers a breast imaging specialty. This means your care team has specialized knowledge and access to innovative treatments and technologies not available elsewhere. You may also benefit from clinical research if you qualify for a study. 

Our radiologists are committed to giving you advanced care with skill and compassion. When you come to our clinic, you have access to our expertise and advanced technology, including breast MRI units, MRI-guided biopsy, digital mammography machines, high-resolution ultrasound units and stereotactic biopsy units. 

Types of breast imaging services:

We provide you with a wide range of breast cancer screening and diagnosis options. Mammograms may be the first type of breast imaging you experience. We provide:

  • Mammogram: A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray used to look for breast cancer. It detects breast cancer in women with lumps or calcifications that are too small to feel.
  • Contrast-enhanced mammography: Contrast-enhanced mammography combines mammography with iodine dye. The dye helps locate cancer cells by highlighting areas with abnormal blood flow, which supplies cancers. We are the only clinic in South Texas that provides this type of screening. Contrast-enhanced mammography helps us: 
    • Evaluate suspicious findings after a mammogram
    • Find out how much cancer has spread within the breast 
    • Get a more detailed look at the breast tissue of patients who have noticeable lumps, nipple discharge or skin dimpling
    • Provide an alternative to patients who are claustrophobic, are allergic to MRI contrast or have implanted devices that are not compatible with MRIs
    • See more clearly in dense breast tissue compared to a standard mammogram 

Other types of imaging services we offer include:

  • Biopsy: This procedure uses MRI, sonographic and stereotactic images to help your provider locate and remove a tissue sample for lab testing. You may need a biopsy to get a closer look at suspicious tissue to determine if it’s cancer. The tissue will be sent to our lab where it will be examined to look for evidence of breast cancer. 
  • Breast MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging uses powerful magnets to create 3D images of breast tissue. We commonly use breast MRIs for women at a higher risk of breast cancer because MRIs are more sensitive than mammograms. They are also better at finding cancer in dense breasts, which 40% to 50% of women over 40 have.
  • Breast ultrasound: This painless imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves. It is used to look closely at dense breast tissue or to guide a radiologist during a needle biopsy.
  • Needle localization: Image-guided preoperative needle localization of breast tumors. Needle localization identifies tissue for surgeons to remove. The needle removes tissue and fluid from the breast for examination in a lab.

Research shows that annual mammograms for women 40–84 years old are the only modality to decrease the mortality risk of breast cancer by 40% compared to no screening. 

According to the American College of Radiology, women at high risk for breast cancer should have screening starting at age 25–30. They should also discuss more intensive screening with their doctors, including contrast-enhanced mammography and mammograms more than once a year.

What makes us different?

Our doctors have the advantage of direct access to specialists like breast surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, genetic counselors, breast medical oncologists and pathologists within the Breast Cancer Program at the Mays Cancer Center.

The clinic keeps you at the heart of the process. It’s designed with you in mind, from the soothing color palette to the coffee bar, comfortable robes and recliners. There are separate waiting rooms depending on whether you are having a mammogram or a biopsy. 

Who will be on my team?

Our clinic includes a large, comprehensive multidisciplinary team of specially trained breast cancer experts and patient navigators. 

You’ll have access to specialists who can help you throughout your journey, from diagnosis to treatment and surgical procedures.