Mount Auburn Healthcare Connection

Digital mammograms are more effective than conventional film screen mammograms in detecting breast cancer.

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While all women should be consistent about getting their regular mammogram, Madeline Crivello, M.D., radiologist at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, says women need to understand that both the conventional mammogram and digital mammogram are equally effective when all women are considered. Dr. Crivello emphasizes that conventional film screen mammography is still widely used and just as effective, especially for those women over 50.

The Hoffman Breast Center at Mount Auburn Hospital ensures women are well supported from diagnosis through the completion of their treatment.

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As coordinator for the center, Beth Roy, LICSW, licensed social worker, assists with referrals to surgeons specializing in breast care, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, pathologists and medical and radiation oncologists. In addition, she provides education and support about breast health, imaging options and biopsy procedures.

Studies show genes make up about fifteen percent of all breast cancer cases.

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Five percent of all breast cancer cases are caused by genes explains Lisa Weissmann, M.D., oncologist at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. “A lot of women worry about their siblings and children, and genetic testing allows them to identify for their family the possibility that they could be at risk too,” says Dr. Weissmann.

For women at high risk, Dr. Sasson recommends spacing mammography and MRI in yearly intervals.

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J. Pierre Sasson, M.D., Director of MRI at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School recommends spacing mammography and MRI in six-month intervals. “If a woman had a mammogram in October, I would do an MRI in April. That way, we check on her twice a year,” he says. Dr. Sasson notes that MRI should not be a replacement for mammography.

Women should perform self-breast examinations every month.

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Susan Pories, M.D., Breast Surgeon at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School suggests pre-menopausal women perform self-breast examinations after their menstrual cycle. For post-menopausal women, the first of the month is recommended. “It’s crucial that women are comfortable looking at and examining their own breasts, “ says Dr. Pories.

There are two primary methods for surgically removing cancer from the breast.

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A lumpectomy is the removal of the cancer within a lump of breast tissue surrounded by a disease-free tissue margin. In some instances, it may be advised that the whole breast be removed in a procedure known as a mastectomy. “Ninety percent of breast care is done with what is termed ‘breast conservation’”, says Janice Saal, M.D., Ph.D., Surgeon at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. This technique has become possible because of the combination of advances in screening and early detection as well as advances in radiation and systemic therapies.

Mount Auburn Healthcare Connection

Quiz

Digital mammograms are more effective than conventional film screen mammograms in detecting breast cancer.

The Hoffman Breast Center at Mount Auburn Hospital ensures women are well supported from diagnosis through the completion of their treatment.

Studies show genes make up about fifteen percent of all breast cancer cases.

For women at high risk, Dr. Sasson recommends spacing mammography and MRI in yearly intervals.

Women should perform self-breast examinations every month.

There are two primary methods for surgically removing cancer from the breast.

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