We offer a variety of services with personal and professional care, combined
with advanced technology, to provide the highest quality experience for
every patient. Whether it involves a simple screening mammogram, diagnostic
procedure or treatment upon a diagnosis, our trained radiologists, surgeons,
nurses, nurse navigators and staff at the Breast Health Center are dedicated
to providing expert care to all of our patients.
SmartCurve™ System
The SmartCurve system provides a curved compression surface that offers
a more comfortable patient experience without compromising image quality,
exam time, dose or workflow. Clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable
mammogram, the SmartCurve system improves comfort in 93% of patients who
reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard compression. Additionally,
95% of patients surveyed would recommend facilities that use a SmartCurve
system. The curved design of the compression device mirrors the shape
of a woman’s breast to reduce pinching and applies uniform compression
over the entire breast for added comfort.
Our mammography screening sites are certified as “Breast Imaging
Centers of Excellence”, as a result of exceeding the highest quality
and safety standards set by American College of Radiology.
Preventative Care
Our screening centers provide a range of services which includes nearly
40,000 mammograms performed annually to detect early signs of breast cancer. At the age
of 40, women with no known breast problems should get a 3D screening mammogram
to perform a general check of the breast tissue. Along with the screening,
we conduct the
Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment to provide a comprehensive look at the individual's risk of develop breast
cancer over the course of her lifetime. Results of this risk assessment
will be shared with your physician and can help determine whether additional
testing or genetic counseling is needed. With life expectancy increasing
and individual health status improving, the guidelines have also changed
to recommend lifelong annual mammography screening. If any abnormalities
are detected in the screening mammogram, a patient may be called back
for a diagnostic mammogram or other exploratory procedures.
When should I get a mammogram?
Walk-in Wednesday - Modified Availability
Walk-in Wednesday is the easiest way to get a mammogram with no appointment
or doctor's order required! No insurance? Call 1-877-771-1234 prior to
walking into one of our screening locations. The Walk-in Wednesday program
has returned to the Frick Hospital and Westmoreland Hospital campuses.
At Frick Hospital, walk-in from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday.
At Westmoreland Hospital, walk-in from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesday.
Parking is available in lots marked for patient and visitor parking. Patients should enter
the Heart Center Entrance located on Shearer Street.
Before scheduling your mammogram, please note: The Society of Breast Imaging has recently published considerations for
patients and providers regarding scheduling of screening mammography.
It has been found that the COVID vaccination may cause reactive axillary
adenopathy or enlarged lymph nodes.
When possible, and when it does not unduly delay care, it is recommended
that patients schedule annual screening mammography prior to the first
dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or 4-6 weeks following the second dose
of a COVID-19 vaccination.
If you would like to reschedule your screening mammogram as a result of
this recent finding, please contact Excela Health Centralized Scheduling
Department at 724-689-0100 for assistance.
The Square at Connellsville 854 Vanderbilt Road
Connellsville, PA 15425
The Square at Frick Hospital 508 South Church Street
Mt Pleasant, PA 15666
The Square at Latrobe 100 Excela Health Drive
Latrobe, PA 15650
The Square at Norwin 8775 Norwin Avenue
North Huntingdon, PA 15642
Westmoreland Hospital *Formerly located at Weatherwood. 532 West Pittsburgh Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
Additional Breast Diagnostic Service
While screening mammograms serve as the first line of detection, Excela
Health provides a host of other diagnostic testing.
Test Description 3D mammography (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis) 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis) is similar to a standard mammogram in that
it uses X-ray technology and applies the same amount of pressure to the
breast. But rather than providing two views—from top to bottom and
side to side—the 3-D approach captures multiple views from a variety
of angles in seconds. These multiple images of breast tissue slices give
doctors a clearer image of breast masses, making it easier to detect breast cancer.
ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound) ABUS breast cancer screening is specifically developed to help doctors
find cancers hidden in dense breast tissue, which may be missed by mammography.
If you have dense breast tissue, like 40% of women in the U.S., the addition
of ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound) screening can increase the detection
of cancers.
Breast MRI Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves and strong magnets
to make detailed pictures of the inside of the breast. Breast MRI is used
in breast cancer screening for women at higher than average risk. It can
also be used in breast cancer diagnosis and staging.
Breast Ultrasound The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images
of the inside of the breast. A breast ultrasound may be performed if a
suspicious lump is discovered in your breast. An ultrasound helps your
doctor determine whether the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor.
It also allows determination of the location and size of the lump.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Stereotactic breast biopsies use mammographic X-rays to locate and target
the area of concern and to help guide the biopsy needle to a precise location.
This technique helps ensure that the area that is biopsied is the exact
area where abnormality was seen on the mammogram. It is called stereotactic
because it utilizes two images taken from slightly different angles of
the same location. After the sample is collected it is sent to pathology
to determine if cancer cells are present.
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies Ultrasound imaging is used to help guide the radiologist’s instruments
to the site of abnormal growth. Small samples of tissue are removed from
the breast using a hollow needle and sent to pathology to determine if
cancer cells are present.
MRI-guided breast biopsies MRI guided breast biopsies use MRI technology to locate and target the
area of concern to remove small samples of tissue from the breast that
are sent to pathology to determine if cancer cells are present.
Ductography (Galactography) This test uses an injection of contrast material to create pictures of
the inside of the breast’s milk ducts.
”At Excela Health, we are committed to breast health and excellence
in every way. Every patient receives the highest quality of care, latest
technologies and compassionate guidance throughout their journey. We are
dedicated to creating a supportive environment for our patients, during
this challenging time”
Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
Every woman carries some risk of developing breast cancer during her life.
It is known that inherited mutations in certain genes raise the risk of
a woman developing breast cancer and Excela Health can help to identify
this genetic risk in the BRCA genes.
You can learn more through a simple oral rinse DNA study, available during
consultation with our breast surgeons. The test assesses overall breast
cancer risk in women even if they have no family history. This information
can be useful for women trying to decide when to begin and how often to
go for a screening mammogram.
The advantage of knowing you’re at high risk for developing breast
cancer opens the door to options for disease prevention and early treatment
intervention.
Any woman concerned about her breast cancer risk should follow up with
her primary care physician or OB/GYN to discuss genetic testing options.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Being diagnosed with a breast problem can be overwhelming enough without
the added stress of making your way through the health care decision-making
process. We understand that stress and are here to help. Our Nurse Navigators
are experienced nurses who have earned the advanced Master of Science
in Nursing degree and are trained to support you throughout your treatment.
Along with offering professional guidance and knowledge, the Nurse Navigator
is your designated professional guide who acts as your healthcare advocate.
The navigator is not only a nurse, but a personal support system and point
of contact for your care. They provide services including:
Communication with physicians and various community resources
Referral coordination for additional appointments and procedures
Emotional support, providing information and education to patients and
their family
Commitment to Improving the Experience
Should you need surgery, Excela Health has worked to make the day of breast
surgery easier, more comfortable, and safer for our patients. Magnetic
seed localization is an improved alternative to the challenging wire localization
method previously used to identify breast tumors. Prior to the magnetic
seeds, patients had to report to radiology to have a wire inserted the
day of surgery to help the surgeon identify small lesions or tumors. Now
patients can have a small, radiation free, seed placed into the tumor
days ahead of time making the day of surgery much less stressful. Magnetic
seeds also provide an alternative to radioactive seed localization.
After Surgery
Our specialists at Excela Health recognize that surgical procedures for
breast cancer place stress on the body and can lead to problems with the
lymph nodes. Our experienced lymphedema specialists can assist with these
nodes and swelling in an outpatient rehabilitative setting by providing
techniques to relieve post-surgery swelling.
Excela Health-e-Minute: Lymphedema
Excela Health-e-Minute: 3D Mammography
Excela Health-e-Minute: Breast Cancer Journey
Sheryl Crow on the SmartCurve™ Breast Stabilization System
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performed annually to detect early signs of breast cancer. At the age
of 40, women with no known breast problems should get a 3D screening mammogram
to perform a general check of the breast tissue. Along with the screening,
we conduct the
Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment to provide a comprehensive look at the individual's risk of develop breast
cancer over the course of her lifetime. Results of this risk assessment
will be shared with your physician and can help determine whether additional
testing or genetic counseling is needed. With life expectancy increasing
and individual health status improving, the guidelines have also changed
to recommend lifelong annual mammography screening. If any abnormalities
are detected in the screening mammogram, a patient may be called back
for a diagnostic mammogram or other exploratory procedures.
When should I get a mammogram?
Obstetrics & GynecologyView Profile
