Breast Imaging
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Lake Norman Regional Medical Center provides helpful services to educate women on breast health, and encourage self-exams and routine screenings. We utilize highly sophisticated imaging technology that can detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective. The combination of highly trained, caring technologists and the latest imaging technology allows us to deliver the highest quality of care.
Digital Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. Lake Norman Regional Medical Center offers digital imaging technology for mammograms. With digital technology, radiologists can zoom in on particular areas or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately. It offers numerous benefits to women, including:
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Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
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Less radiation exposure.
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Superior image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams.
For your convenience the following patient information sheets are available to be completed prior to your appointment with the Imaging Department. Please print and fill out then bring the sheets with you to the Imaging Department at the time of your appointment.
Breast MRI
Along with mammography, breast MRI can be an effective diagnostic tool. Breast MRI is often used for women who are at greater risk of developing breast cancer or who have dense breast tissue or implants - cases in which mammography is less effective at detecting abnormalities. This technique offers a more comfortable experience for women, and is used to:
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Assess the extent of breast cancer.
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Determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation therapy during breast cancer treatment.
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Further evaluate abnormalities that were found during a mammogram or clinical exam.
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Provide additional detail for treatment planning.
Breast Utrasound
A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate an abnormality found during a mammogram. Ultrasound allows doctors to see the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see using mammography. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass.
Stereotactic Biopsies
When a lump or abnormal area is detected during screening, a biopsy can determine whether cells are cancerous. Advanced imaging technology- such as MRI, mammography or ultrasound- can be combined with minimally invasive techniques to obtain tissue samples. Lake Norman Regional Medical Center offers digital stereotactic biopsies, and women can choose to be seated or lying down during the procedure for maximum comfort.
To schedule a mammogram or other screening exam, please call (704) 660-4000.
Breast Health Nurse Navigator
Lake Norman Regional Medical Center's Imaging Center offers comprehensive Women's Services. The Breast Health Nurse Navigator assists patients with scheduling procedures as well as relaying results to ordering physicians, thus enabling patients to receive individualized attention and care. The Breast Health Nurse Navigator will follow an individual's progress during and after procedures to ensure their comfort and well-being. If an individual requires more than one exam while visiting the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center's Imaging Center, the Navigator will coordinate procedures, thus reducing the amount of time spent waiting between procedures significantly. Our radiologists are board certified.
Tina Hunter, MSN, BSN, RN, CBCN, RT(R), Breast Health Nurse Navigator at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, is a Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN®). She passed a rigorous examination administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). Registered nurses consist of staff nurses, clinicians, educators, and managers in breast care nursing. CBCN® is the only nationally accredited breast care certification that is available exclusively to registered nurses, and validates the specialized knowledge necessary for breast care nursing practice.
The CBCN® Examination tests the knowledge necessary for the nurse to practice competently within the specialty of breast care nursing, from prevention/detection, to diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end of life care. Breast care certification is available to nurses who have:
- A current, active, unencumbered RN licensure
- A minimum of 12 months of experience as an RN within the three years prior to application
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of breast care practice within the two-and-one-half years prior to application, and
- Completed a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education in the specialty of breast care
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation develops, administers and evaluates programs for certification in oncology nursing. The mission of ONCC is to promote excellence in patient care and professional practice by validating specialized knowledge in oncology nursing and related specialties.