Breast Health Services in Knox County & Surrounding Areas
At Good Samaritan’s Breast Care Center we are dedicated to the early
detection of breast cancer. Equipped with the most advanced breast care
technology available, the Breast Care Center is a comprehensive, patient-centered
unit specifically focused on diseases and disorders of the breast. We
are proud to be recognized as Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the
American College of Radiology.
Online Scheduling
Schedule Online: There are two mammography rooms available for online scheduling.
Please schedule in either GSH Mamm 1 or GSH Mamm 2, not both.
The center’s experienced, multi-disciplinary team creates an individualized
treatment plan for each patient and then supports the patient throughout
the course of treatment. Our services include everything from routine
screening mammograms to breast biopsies and surgery. You will be cared
for by experienced on-site navigators, registered mammography and ultrasound
technologists, surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, pathologists, physical
therapists and social workers.
You can contact our breast surgical services team at
812-885-3003. To reach the women’s imaging department, call
812-885-3627.
Our Breast Health Services
Good Samaritan is a leader in using state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis
and treatment of breast cancer. Our services include:
3-D Mammography (Breast Tomosynthesis) - A mammogram is a safe, accurate
diagnostic test that helps trained experts spot abnormalities. The American
College of Radiology recommends that women over age 40 have mammograms
on a yearly basis.
SmartCurve Breast Stabilization - The new technology features a curved
surface that mirrors the shape of a woman's breast to reduce pinching
and allow better distribution of force over the entire breast.
Breast Biopsy - If an abnormality appears on your mammogram, a biopsy may
be necessary to rule out a serious health concern. We offer a variety
of biopsy procedures: stereotactic breast biopsy, MRI breast biopsy, ultrasound
guided biopsy, and needle localization.
Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) - Good Samaritan is one of the first
hospitals in Indiana to offer this innovative technology for the diagnosis
of breast cancer. BSGI can detect cancers as small as a grain of sand
in a simple, noninvasive procedure.
Breast Ultrasound - This technology uses sound waves to outline a part
of the body. A computer picks up the sound waves and translates them into
an image that can be displayed on a computer screen. The process is painless
and noninvasive.
Breast MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast uses a powerful
magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures
of the structures within the breast.
Breast Health Navigator - Patient navigation helps guide patients through
and around barriers in the complex cancer care system to help ensure timely
diagnosis, treatment, and support.
Automated Breast Ultrasound - This technology is a supplemental option
for women with dense breast tissue. When used in addition to mammography,
automated breast ultrasound can improve breast cancer detection by 37.5%
over mammography alone.
What Is 3-D Mammography?
We’re very proud to offer 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, a new technology
that takes multiple images, very similar to a CT scan, which provides
a three-dimensional image of the breast. It allows us to pinpoint and
treat tumors that are too small to detect through other methods. Through
grants from Susan G. Komen, we are able to provide free screening mammograms
to people who qualify for this assistance. At Good Samaritan, we are committed
to ensuring that women in Knox and surrounding counties receive annual
mammograms regardless of their ability to pay for them.
Screening Guidelines
The American College of Radiology recommends that women age 40 and older
should have a mammogram every year and continue to do so for as long as
they are in good health, able to undergo the examination and willing to
undergo additional testing, including biopsy, if an abnormality is detected.
To schedule an appointment at the Breast Care Center, call
812-885-3353. Evening appointments are available on Thursdays!
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Women who have the following are at higher risk for developing breast cancer.
Strong family history
Genetic predisposition such as BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation
History of chest or mantle radiation at a young age
History of breast cancer or atypia at biopsy
Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too
Believe it or not, men can get breast cancer - though it is rare. 1 in
833 men will develop breast cancer.
Risk factors for male breast cancer include:
Growing older - As with women, risk increases with age.
High estrogen levels
Klinefelter syndrome
A strong family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations - Family
history can increase risk, especially if other men in the family had breast
cancer. The risk is also higher in men who inherit abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
Radiation exposure during childhood - if a man had been treated with radiation
to the chest during childhood, he is at higher risk.
Most men diagnosed have no known risk factors. However, if you have any
of these risk factors talk to your doctors about possible risk assessment
and ways you can decrease your risk.
Men may also be less likely to report signs and symptoms, resulting in
a delayed diagnosis. If you develop a painless breast lump, thickening,
or any changes in the skin or nipple, see your doctor right away. You
can also perform a breast self-exam.
Good Samaritan's Breast Care Center is accredited by the American College
of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.
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Good Samaritan's Breast Care Center is accredited by the American College
of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.
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