Depending on your symptoms, your family history and the density of your breasts, breast imaging experts across the Sutter Health network can use a combination of imaging technologies to screen for and diagnose breast abnormalities. Mammography is the foundation of breast cancer screening, but we offer many other additional imaging technologies to assess breast health. Here are some of the services we provide:

Screening and Diagnostic Mammography

During a screening mammogram, typically two pictures are taken of each breast using a machine that compresses your breast tissue and emits low-dose radiation. Most Sutter imaging centers use digital mammography machines for an even lower-dose procedure that allows radiologists a better view of the entire breast to the chest wall. If you feel you have symptoms—for example, a lump or nipple discharge—or if additional pictures are needed, a focused diagnostic mammogram is performed.

Breast MRI

Your physician may recommend breast MRI as an alternative or addition to mammography or ultrasound. MRI can be used to screen women with higher risk factors for breast cancer, evaluate breast implants for possible rupture or better visualize abnormalities that are not seen as easily on a mammogram.

Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound gel and a wand called a transducer are placed directly on the skin to generate—and collect—sound waves, producing images of the structures inside the breast. Ultrasounds may be used for women with dense breasts or a family history of breast cancer, those whose lump cannot be seen on a mammogram, or in the event of pregnancy to avoid the use of radiation. It also can distinguish between cysts and tumors.