Breast Imaging
When it comes to fighting breast cancer, early detection is the best defense. WakeMed Imaging Services offers comprehensive breast imaging and related testing to help physicians find and treat breast cancer at its earliest stage.
WakeMed Cary and North Hospitals are designated as Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center with the American College of Radiology.
Digital Mammography
Advanced screening and diagnostic mammography are conveniently available in WakeMed locations across Wake County.
Digital mammography is faster than traditional film mammography because it eliminates the need for film development. Breast images are immediately sent to a radiologist and viewed for diagnosis on a high-resolution monitor.
Learn More About Preparing for a Mammogram.
Schedule Your Screening Mammogram
Locations
- WakeMed Cary Hospital
- WakeMed North Hospital
- WakeMed Raleigh Medical Park
- WakeMed Cary - Medical Park of Cary
Breast MRI
Breast MRI is used in addition to mammography to evaluate the breast, lymph nodes and surrounding muscle for breast cancer or abnormalities.
Physicians may recommend a breast MRI for women with strong family histories of breast cancer (i.e. mother, sister diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50).
If breast cancer is present, a breast MRI helps the physician determine its size and if it has impacted the surrounding lymph nodes or muscle. We also use breast MRI to evaluate lumpectomy sites, non-cancerous breast abnormalities and implants.
Locations
Breast Biopsy
When we need a sample of a breast abnormality (cyst, suspicious mass), we use highly advanced equipment to assist in locating the abnormal area.
To ensure accuracy, the doctor might use ultrasound to watch the needle on a screen as it moves toward and into the mass. Or the doctor may use a method called stereotactic needle biopsy to guide the needle.
During a stereotactic needle biopsy, computers map the exact location of the mass using mammograms taken from two angles.
Learn More About Preparing for a Stereotactic Needle Biopsy.
Locations
Breast Ultrasound
This technology helps physicians determine if a breast lump is solid or filled with fluid.
Ultrasound is also helpful in guiding the physician when performing a breast biopsy and in finding breast abnormalities in women with dense breast tissue.
Like breast MRI, it is not a replacement for mammography; it is a supplement, giving the physician more information to make a diagnosis.
Breast Mammography and Patient Stories
October 12, 2020
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. While the world looks different now, and many people have delayed routine healthcare to focus on social distancing and balancing a work-from-home lifestyle and childcare, there are still many ways to get involved and get the care you need. Getting involved: While there may not be large walks […]
September 28, 2023
Save the Tatas: Get a Breast Mammogram
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among all women in the United States and is the most common cancer among African American women. Annually, approximately 128 of every 100,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 19 in every 100,000 women will die of breast cancer. Early detection is critical for […]
October 16, 2023
Stacey Tilton on Unwrapping Hope and Persevering in Faith
The holidays come with many surprises, and we hope they will be wonderful ones — to include thoughtful gifts, warm memories and sweet desserts, but for Stacey Tilton, her holiday surprise couldn’t have been any more shocking. “I fell asleep on my stomach,” shares Stacey, “and I just felt something hard in my breast. That’s […]
February 1, 2022
Succeeding after Breast Surgery: The WakeMed Breast Health Rehab Program
The therapists with the WakeMed Breast Health Rehab Program understand the seriousness of a breast cancer diagnosis and a patient’s desire to battle the disease with all possible resources. That’s why they developed the Breast Health Rehab Program! Before Breast Surgery The program begins with a pre-surgery evaluation, which gives patients a head start on […]
October 5, 2020
What Causes Breast Cancer and How Can I Decrease My Risk Of Developing It?
The world of cancer research is changing quickly but most scientists agree that the cause of breast cancer is multifactorial. Breast cancer develops as a result of a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Non-modifiable risk factors include things that are mostly out of your control to change, […]
October 4, 2021
What Is My Risk of Developing Breast Cancer?
All women in the US, regardless of family history, have a minimum 1:8 or 12.5% risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Of those that do, 5-10% are considered to be heritable, or strongly related to inheriting a known harmful genetic mutation in a breast cancer predisposition gene. 15-20% are considered to be familial, […]