Breast health

Breast care center in San Antonio

At Methodist Healthcare, we are committed to providing the highest level of quality breast care. We are proud to have been the first breast center in South Texas accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and the only NQMBC Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence in Texas in the Clinical category. We set the standard for interdisciplinary management of patients with breast disease and offer free education, support and guidance through all phases of their journey.

Expertise Matters

Mammography designed for you

Methodist Healthcare's preferred breast imaging services partner is South Texas Radiology Imaging Centers (STRIC). With multiple boutique mammography locations throughout San Antonio and accreditation from the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, STRIC provides a high level of personal care and strives to ensure a seamless patient experience, which is part of the Methodist Healthcare system mission for providing the highest level of patient satisfaction in care. Not sure what to expect at your mammogram screening? Check out our mammogram FAQ for everything you need to know before your mammogram.

Through our partnership, we offer a variety of screening, diagnostic and interventional services, including:

• Dedicated screening centers
• 3D mammography
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Breast biopsy (stereotactic and ultrasound-guided)
• Bone Density osteoporosis screenings (DEXA)

3D mammography

Digital breast tomosynthesis, commonly referred to as 3D mammography, offers the latest in breast lesion detection. 3D mammography takes pictures of the breast in very thin slices, eliminating tissue overlap. These slices allow your doctor to see a clearer image of the inner breast tissue, an important benefit for women with tissue that is denser.

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Women who have a high risk of breast cancer should have a screening mammogram as well as a bilateral breast MRI exam. You may be recommended to have a breast MRI if:

• You have a greater than 20 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer.
• You have a BRCA gene carrier (breast cancer gene mutation).
• You need an evaluation of your breast implant integrity.
• You are being diagnosed and/or treated for breast cancer.
  

Breast biopsy

A breast biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of breast tissue for testing. This is one way to evaluate a potential cancer area in the breast. We offer two methods for minimally invasive biopsy:

• Stereotactic: Preferred when suspicious calcium deposits are present
• Ultrasound-guided: Preferred for the observation of masses

STRIC coordinates patient care with surgeons and oncologists to provide same-day biopsy appointments.

Breast cancer risk assessment for patients and their families

It is important that you understand your risk for developing breast cancer so you can be proactive with your breast health. Some women have a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer due to multiple factors, including family history of cancer, genetics, and breast density.

Our dedicated genetic counselor(s) are highly trained and certified to assure the utmost in health education and support for you and your family.