Types of breast health testing
We offer the following diagnostic procedures for breast health:
Breast biopsy
The only way to diagnose breast cancer for certain is to remove a small sample of cells from your breast and view them under a microscope. Learn more about breast biopsy.
Diagnostic breast ultrasound
This test uses high-frequency sound waves to help your doctor look at the internal structures of your breast and check for abnormalities. Learn more about diagnostic breast ultrasound.
Diagnostic mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram uses X-rays to provide doctors with multiple views of the breast. You may have this test performed if a screening mammogram finds an abnormality or if you have symptoms that may indicate cancer, such as a lump, pain in the breast or nipple discharge.
Tanner offers digital diagnostic mammograms at three convenient locations:
Estrogen and progesterone receptor tests
Some types of breast cancer are driven by hormones and may respond to hormone therapy, so your doctor measures the amount of estrogen and progesterone in your cancer tissue.
Screening mammograms
Regular mammograms allow doctors to look for signs of breast cancer in women who do not have any symptoms of cancer or other breast disease.
Sentinel node mapping
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor must find out if your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes. Sentinel node mapping uses a radioactive tracer, or dye, to track the flow of lymph fluid that shows if and how your cancer is spreading.