- Specialized expertise in offering elevated-risk screenings, detecting cancer in dense breast tissue, and diagnosing and staging female and male breast cancer. Go to Conditions Diagnosed
- Advanced diagnostic imaging using the latest technology, including tomosynthesis (3D-like mammography), high-resolution breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), and ultrasound scans. Go to Imaging Services
- Clinical trials that offer eligible patients access to the latest advances in image-guided biopsies, breast surgery, and breast cancer treatment. Go to Clinical Trials
- Ease of access to imaging services, with convenient locations and comprehensive follow-up care right in your community. Go to Accessing Care
You can trust Stanford Health Care breast imaging specialists to deliver an accurate diagnosis in a compassionate environment. We use our vast expertise and advanced technology to detect and diagnose:
If you have already received a breast cancer diagnosis, our team is by your side at every step. We use imaging technology to:
- Determine the stage and type of breast cancer
- Ensure that no cancerous cells remain following surgery or radiation therapy
- Provide imaging services after treatment, as necessary
We work closely with the Stanford Medicine Breast Cancer Program to coordinate your care. Our radiologists collaborate with your cancer care team to create your customized treatment plan and deliver follow-up care and support.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
As leaders in breast cancer screening, diagnosis, staging, and treatment, our multispecialty team delivers world-class care. Whether you need a routine screening or specialized breast cancer care, we are here for you.
- Recognized expertise: We are a nationally recognized Center of Excellence for breast imaging, as designated by the American College of Radiology. This distinction reflects our commitment to providing the highest level of care and image quality.
- Extensive experience: Our radiology team performs hundreds of thousands of imaging services annually. We have specialty training in breast imaging and image-guided biopsies.
- Leading-edge innovations: We use groundbreaking technology to deliver a precise diagnosis and make treatments more effective.
Breast Imaging and Biopsy Procedures We Offer
When you receive breast imaging services at Stanford Health Care, you get a team of radiologists and pathologists who focus solely on breast care. Our specialized expertise and experience allow us to provide you with a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis.
We are at the forefront of advanced imaging technology and precise image-guided procedures to detect and diagnose breast cancer. Our team also reviews and compares any prior mammograms and test results, even if the tests were conducted elsewhere. We offer:
- Full-field digital mammography (FFDM)
- Tomosynthesis (3D-like mammography)
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), which uses a contrast dye injected through an IV in combination with a standard mammogram to detect cancer
- Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) scan
- Screening automated whole-breast ultrasound (SAWBU)
To evaluate a breast lump or other breast tissue for signs of cancer, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. A breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove a small sample of tissue from your breast. Our skilled pathologists examine the tissue under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. We use the latest imaging technology to pinpoint the biopsy area precisely and remove the sample while sparing healthy tissue. We specialize in:
Your surgeon may recommend a localization procedure prior to surgery. During this procedure, your radiologist marks the tissue that needs to be removed, allowing your surgeon to easily locate it during breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy). They may mark the area with a thin wire (wire localization) or a small, implantable wireless marker made of metal. The wireless marker is about the size of a grain of rice.
First, your radiologist uses mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI imaging to locate the abnormal or suspicious breast tissue. They review the images on a screen in real time. Guided by the images on the screen, your radiologist inserts a small, hollow needle near the abnormal tissue. They insert a wire or a tiny marker through the hollow needle. The wire or marker stays in place until your surgeon removes it, along with the abnormal tissue, during surgery.
In addition to wire markers, our radiologists use a special type of wireless marker that uses radar or magnetic technology. Once the marker is in place, the surgeon employs a special hand-held wand to locate the marker and the abnormal tissue. The wand indicates the exact location of the tumor, enabling the surgeon to remove it accurately.
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
We make access to care as simple as possible. We anticipate what you need and provide support when you need it. Our network of locations puts our services within your reach, and user-friendly digital health tools help you stay connected with your care team. We accept most insurance plans and offer discounted transportation, short-stay options, and international travel and translation services. We help make sense of the details, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
Breast imaging services are convenient and easy to access at Stanford Health Care. Our Bay Area facilities are your gateway to world-class care.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referral Information.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form and fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.
To schedule a breast imaging appointment at a Stanford Health Care location, call 650-723-6855.
To schedule a breast imaging appointment at a Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley location, call 925-734-3376.
To schedule a breast imaging appointment at one of our Stanford Medicine Partners locations, select from the list below:
- Stanford Medicine Partners Castro Valley, call 510-785-5000
- Menlo Medical Clinic, call 650-498-6530
- Stanford Medicine Imaging and Express Care, call 408-984-7226
- Alliance Medical Group in San Pablo, call 510-237-2802