The Herman andWalter Samuelson Breast Care Center at Northwest Hospital Center has some of the most advanced technologies for the evaluation of breast disease in the western Baltimore metropolitan area. The center has state-of-the-art digital mammography, diagnostic breast ultrasound equipment, a stereotactic biopsy system and breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) that are used to help the physician make a more accurate diagnosis for breast problems.

At the Herman and Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center, mammograms are performed by registered and certified radiologic technologists who have had additional training in mammography as required by the MQSA.

Northwest Hospital Center's Herman and Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center's highly trained team includes a surgeon, dedicated radiologist, pathologist, nurses, and mammography technologists.

The Samuelson Breast Care Center also offers state-of-the-art bone density testing for the detection of osteoporosis.

The MammoPad�

Northwest Hospital Center is certified as a Softer Mammogram Provider, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities. The hospital has the only breast care center in the area offering women a free MammoPad�, an FDA-cleared foam cushion, that dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram.

The MammoPad� breast cushion was designed for women by a female breast surgeon. In addition to being FDA-cleared, it does not impair image quality and makes it easier for you to be relaxed, warm and comfortable during your exam. That helps our highly skilled mammography technologists achieve the best possible mammogram. To schedule a Softer Mammogram, or if you have other questions, call 410-521-5913.

When Should You Schedule a Mammogram?

The National Cancer Society guidelines recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40 for all women. However, breast cancer detection should start at a much earlier age. Women by age 20 should start monthly breast self-exams. A clinical breast exam should be preformed by a physician at least every three years for women in their 20's and 30's. Women over the age of 40 should receive a clinical breast exam once a year in addition to a screening mammogram.

On the day of your mammogram :

• Do not wear perfumes, talcum powder or deodorants in the underarm or breast area.
• Dress in a two-piece outfit
• If you are a new patient, please bring your films with you
• Bring a physician referral, or provide us with the name and address of a physician to receive your results.

Services Available at the Samuelson Breast Care Center Include:

Screening Mammogram

The screening mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Two X-rays are taken of each breast as well as a personal history is obtained. The screening mammogram is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist. The results of the mammogram will be sent to you and your physician. You may be recalled for additional work-up if a questionable area or abnormality is detected from the screening mammogram.

Digital Mammography

The Herman and Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center now offers full-field digital mammography -one of the most advanced technologies available to detect breast cancer-- as a part of its breast care services.

Full-field digital mammography has revolutionized the practice of mammography by providing a crisper, sharper image that increases the diagnostic information the radiologist needs in detecting cancers and breast abnormalities. The center's digital unit has other advanced applications such as automated computer-generated diagnosis, which will further improve the accuracy and sensitivity in picking up small cancers.

Digital mammography provides patients with the best image possible. Image quality with digital technology gives the potential for significant improvements in breast cancer diagnosis, including a lower radiation dose than screen-film imaging.
Women who are under the age of 50, are pre- or peri-menopausal, or have dense breast tissue benefit by having a mammogram at a facility that offers digital mammography, because digital mammography increases the chances of finding cancer, especially invasive cancer.

The difference between traditional screen-film imaging and new full-field digital mammography is similar to the differences between film and digital photos. Like a 35-millimeter camera, analog equipment uses film for each image. Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly into a computer, where it can be interpreted and sent to another location for review, if necessary.

Digital mammography also expedites the patient's exam time. A technologist will be able to tell the patient while she is still in the room if there is a need for additional views. As with any type of cancer, early detection is the key to catching tumors early to effectively treat and cure them.

Diagnostic Mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is performed when a sign or symptom of a breast problem is detected. Some of the signs and symptoms of a breast problem include:

• Palpable lump
• Sudden onset of pain
• Nipple discharge
• Change in the size and shape of the breast
• An abnormal screening mammogram
• A personal history of breast cancer
• Breast implants

Your X-ray will be reviewed by a radiologist while you wait. If any additional studies of the breast are required, they can usually be performed the same day. The radiologist will speak to you about your mammogram results before you leave the Samuelson Breast Care Center.

Other Breast Services

Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound procedures utilize sound waves to distinguish the physical makeup of an abnormality detected through mammography or breast examination. The ultrasound is simple, painless and usually completed in less than 30 minutes.

Breast MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues.

In March 2007, the American Cancer Society (ACS) published new guidelines for breast screening with MRI. Screening breast MRI is now recommended annually, as an adjunct to mammography, for high risk women including:

• Women who carry a BRCA gene mutation,
• Untested women with a first degree relative who has a BRCA gene mutation,
• Women with greater than 20-25 percent estimated lifetime risk of developing breast cancer

A breast biopsy is usually performed when an abnormality is detected. In some cases, the lump may be aspirated, which enables physicians to drain cystic lumps. The procedure takes just a few minutes after local anesthesia is employed.

Core needle biopsies are performed using stereotactic equipment or with ultrasound guidance.  Tissue is removed from the abnormality, which is then reviewed by a pathologist. This procedure is done in the comfort of theSamuelson Breast Care Center, and is usually completed in about an hour. Results are usually available to your physician after three working days.

The advantages of the minimally invasive breast biopsy include:

• Less tissue removed than with an open surgical biopsy
• Use of local rather than general anesthesia
• Reduced pain
• Reduced scarring and disfigurement for enhanced cosmetic results
• Quicker return to normal activities

Bone Densitometry

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease affecting thousands of women in this country. Over time, bones become fragile and are more likely to break. Most often, the disease affects older women, many of whom lose up to 20 percent of their total bone mass in the first five to seven years following menopause.

State-of-the-art bone densitometry studies, now available at the Herman and Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center, measure bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, hips and forearms. Scans are performed by trained, state-licensed radiologic technologists. The test is safe, quick and non-invasive. Experts interpret results based on comparative data according to age, ethnicity and weight from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. A summary report is promptly forwarded to your physician.

Women can monitor their bone health in relation to a variety of risk factors for osteoporosis:

• Thin, small-boned frame
• Broken bones or stooped posture in older family members
• Hormone deficiency due to menopause or other conditions
• Advanced age
• Diet low in calcium
• Inactive lifestyle
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive alcohol

Routine bone density testing will help detect the onset of osteoporosis. If you are over the age of 40 with at least one risk factor, ask your physician for a referral. New treatments are now available to help prevent bone deterioration and loss.

Hours of Operation

The Herman and Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center has convenient hours Monday through Saturday. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 410-521-5913.

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