Services Offered

(309) 683-5009 

The Susan G. Komen Breast Center offers a comprehensive range of services to our patients to ensure optimum breast health. Our services include two different screening options as well as digital mammography, ultrasound imaging, breast biopsy procedures as well as needle localization techniques.

Screening Evaluation

Screening Mammogram
A screening mammogram is a radiologic (x-ray) examination performed for women who have no breast complaints.  The goal is to detect unsuspected breast cancer an an early stage, before tumors can be felt.

Computer-Aided Detection (CAD)
Computer-aided detection, as the name implies, uses a computer to analyze mammograms.  The computer does not replace the radiologist who would normally read the mammograms, it merely acts as a "second opinion" for the physician.  It can alert the physician to take a closer look at subtle warning signs that might be easily missed. This is a very sophisticated tool which has shown in the US clinical trials to detect 26.2% of breast cancers 14 months earlier than conventional mammography.  The use of the CAD is the standard of care at the OSF Saint Francis Centers for Breast Health.  Note: not all insurance companies will pay the addition charge for the cost of the CAD reading.  You have the option to decline this additional service on the day of your exam.

Breast Imaging Diagnostic Services

Diagnostic Mammography
This service is performed on women with a specific complaint such as a lump or focal point of breast tenderness or a suspicious area on a mammogram.  A diagnostic mammogram is similar to a screening mammogram with the exception there may additional views of the area of concern.  A Radiologist will read your diagnostic mammogram and discuss with you any additional imaging/procedure that may be indicated.

Digital Mammogram
A digital mammogram is similar to a traditional (screen) mammogram, except that the imager is recorded on a computer rather than film.  Digital mammography is used only for women who meet certain clinical criteria.

Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is a painless test using sound waves, which allows the radiologist to evaluate soft tissue.  This test is helpful in evaluating lumps.

Ductogram
A ductogram is a procedure that is performed on women who have spontaneous nipple discharge.  the purpose of the ductogram is to look for any ductal abnormalities that could be the source of the nipple discharge.  This procedure involves the insertion of a blunt cannula into the ductal opening of the nipple producing the discharge.  A contrast media is then injected into the duct and mammogram images are taken to show the duct in question.

Biopsies performed at the Susan G. Komen Breast Center
The radiologist may decide based on information obtained from the mammogram or ultrasound that a biopsy is recommended.  The type of biopsy selected is based on the type of biopsy that will give the best results for your situation.

Fine-Need Aspiration
A fine needle aspiration is a procedure that uses a thin needle to remove cells from a mass.  There are no restrictions prior to the procedure meaning you may eat or drink.  You may have some bruising and mild discomfort at the site.  After the procedure, we will cover the area with a band-aid and you can resume your normal activity.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy
An ultrasound guided breast biopsy is a technique that uses continuous ultrasound imaging to visualize an abnormality in the breast while it is being sampled with a needle.  This method allows very accurate sampling of lesion without going to surgery.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
A stereotactic breast biopsy is a technique that uses mammography to visualize the abnormality in the breast while it is being sampled with a needle.