Claxton-Hepburn

A Complete Picture of Breast Health Mammography can help detect breast cancer in its early stages, but oftentimes advanced treatments are needed. The multidisciplinary clinic and the full-field digital mammography units at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s Breast Health Center can help. Comprehensive breast care requires expertise from each discipline involved, from mammography technologists and radiologists to surgeons and, if necessary, the professional care at the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center. Women who come to the Breast Health Center can expect specialty care throughout the visit. Cross-Specialty Diagnosis With the keen sensitivity of our full-field digital mammography unit, our specialists walk you through every step of the screening process. If an issue arises, this technology speeds diagnosis and allows our staff to quickly begin a patient care plan through our multidisciplinary clinic. Advanced Equipment, Enhanced Results At Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, the radiology staff is focused on providing accurate and convenient exams for a proactive approach to breast health. Full-field digital mammography at Claxton-Hepburn incorporates computer-aided detection (CAD) software which offers a “second look” for the radiologist. This technology marks areas on the patient’s mammogram that meet the requirements set by the computer marking potential cancers in their earliest stages. The mammography unit is also equipped to provide the highest quality image with the lowest possible radiation dosage. MammoPads® are used to help create a cushioned and comfortable experience during the screening process. “The digital mammography capabilities at Claxton-Hepburn are on par with the best tertiary care centers,” says Ali M. Gharagozloo, MD, board-certified radiologist and medical director of radiology at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. “In fact, my own family receives all of their breast care at CHMC. Our capabilities have increased sensitivity in diagnosing cancer in its earliest stages with safer and more comfortable techniques.” For women in need of further testing, Claxton-Hepburn also offers magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and minimally invasive, vacuum-assisted tissue biopsy. “Claxton-Hepburn has always offered top-of-the-line breast cancer diagnostics and treatment, but we’ve added a multidisciplinary clinic to help patients with suspicious findings understand all steps of their treatment plans,” says Kay Zimmer, LMSW, CBPN-C, social worker and patient navigator at Claxton-Hepburn. “Patients can now discuss each part of their treatment program with the specialist who will perform it.” The multidisciplinary clinic meets every Thursday at the Breast Health Center, and women with recent breast cancer diagnoses meet with the members of their care teams individually to discuss treatment options and issues such as outcomes, aesthetics, and lifestyle changes. For more information about radiology services at Claxton-Hepburn or to schedule an appointment, call (315) 394-9663. Setting a New Standard for service Through its partnership with the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center and assistance from the radiology department, the Breast Health Center at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center guides patients with the most modern diagnostic and treatment tools. Our specialty services include: • CT, mammogram, MRI, PET, and ultrasound imaging technology • minimally invasive biopsies • breast-conserving lumpectomy • mastectomy • chemotherapy • partial breast irradiation • SmartBeam™ intensity-modulated radiation therapy Convenience for Peace of Mind For women with busy schedules, convenience is key to making health a priority. At Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, mammography screenings are available Monday through Friday by appointment. “After arriving at the mammography suite, patients fill out a quick questionnaire and then proceed to the mammogram,” says Debbie King, CRA, RT(R)(M), director of radiology at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. “The screening process takes less than 30 minutes, and patients’ results are available to their physicians within 24 hours.” If an abnormality is discovered during the screening, women are notified within 24 to 48 hours. Additional imaging modalities, such as an ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), could be required and are scheduled at the patient’s convenience.

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