HCA Houston Healthcare is dedicated to the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. Our range of specialized women’s care includes preventative, diagnostic, and clinical breast health services.
HCA Houston Healthcare offers state-of-the-art breast imaging at 10 locations throughout the communities we serve. We've partnered with Solis Mammography to serve as our onsite provider of comprehensive breast imaging services. Solis Mammography offers dedicated breast expertise with highly trained radiologists subspecialized in breast screening, greater accuracy through 3D mammography, and a warm and welcoming environment designed to deliver a better experience to the patients we serve.
HCA Houston breast imaging services
For women in the U.S. breast cancer death rates are higher than those of any other cancer. But, if diagnosed early, breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers.
We encourage our patients to pursue all three available screening types: annual breast exams, annual mammograms and monthly breast self-exams. Throughout HCA Houston locations, we provide a range of breast imaging services.
3D mammography
Considered the most advanced technology in screening and diagnostic mammography, 3D mammography allows doctors to examine breast tissue by layer. Rather than viewing breast tissue in a flat image, as with 2D mammography, this type of imaging reveals the fine details that previously could be hidden by the tissue above or below.
3D Mammography has been proven to detect abnormalities 15 months earlier than a standard mammogram. Research also shows that 3D mammograms can increase early cancer detection rates and decrease callbacks.
Screening mammography
This two-dimensional pictures of the breast and is still one of the most advanced tools available for detecting breast abnormalities. A screening mammogram is a two-dimensional pictures of the breast and used to detect breast tumors in women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. A screening mammogram's purpose is to detect tumors that are too deep/small to be detected any other way.
Diagnostic mammogram
When a patient's screening mammogram requires further evaluation, a diagnostic mammogram is in order. The diagnostic evaluation serves as the next step to clarify any abnormalities detected during a screening mammogram or doctor's exam.
Breast ultrasound
This test uses sound waves to produce an image of breast tissue. It is most commonly used following a mammogram to evaluate a specific area of concern. The American Cancer Society does not recommend its use alone as a screening tool (e.g., instead of a mammogram).
Breast biopsy
These advanced techniques allow the physicians to quickly and accurately get samples of breast tissue for evaluation after there has been a suspicious finding on a diagnostic mammogram. Stereotactic biopsy uses a combination of mammography and minimally invasive techniques to get samples of tiny calcifications or spots in the breast. Ultrasound-guided biopsy enables surgeons to get a sample of breast tissue as small as your fingernail with high accuracy.
Bone densitometry
Bone density testing is available and helps determine the risk for osteoporosis. Screening involves an X-ray scan which can determine whether or not bones are starting to thin before a bone is broken. Physicians and patients can then determine their best plan of action to slow or reverse the process.