Breast Cancer Care Services & Treatments

Changes to your breast or a breast cancer diagnosis can cause a lot of worry. You need fast, accurate answers only expert medicine can provide. Our breast cancer experts provide comprehensive breast cancer care from prevention to survivorship.

If you're feeling unsure about your breast cancer diagnosis, a second opinion from an expert can be important for your peace of mind. We can provide answers to the questions you may have about your medical diagnosis or treatment plan. No referral is required.

Find out more about our breast cancer care services:

• Conditions and consultations
• Diagnosis and treatments
• Breast imaging technology
• Mobile mammography
• Breast cancer care specialists
• Referrals
• FAQ
• Breast cancer care locations near you
• Breast cancer care specialists near you

Conditions and consultations

Any breast symptoms, such as a breast lump, nipple discharge or breast pain should be evaluated, even if a recent mammogram was normal. Changes to your breast can be frightening, but not all breast changes are a result of breast cancer.

Conditions we treat include:

• Breast cancer — the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the U.S.
• Breast cysts — fluid-filled masses that present as lumps in breast tissue that can grow and lead to breast pain and tenderness
• Fibroadenoma — firm, round, smooth and rubbery breast lumps
• Mastitis — breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness caused by blocked milk ducts or bacteria in the breast
• Papilloma — a growth in a milk duct that can present as nipple discharge or a small lump behind or next to the nipple
• Atypical hyperplasia — an accumulation of abnormal cells in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast discovered by a biopsy after an abnormal finding on an exam or breast image

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Diagnosis and treatments

Our Breast Clinic team provides personalized treatment plans based on your diagnosis, including nonsurgical and surgical options to optimize your overall health and well-being.

Treatments we provide include:

• Bioimpedance screening and lymphedema management
• Breast cancer screening
• Lumpectomy, mastectomy or breast reconstruction surgery
• Image-guided needle breast biopsy, such as ultrasound, stereotactic and MRI
• Clinical trials and cancer research
• Genetic counseling and testing
• Hormone therapy
• Infusion therapy – blood and chemotherapy
• Integrative and alternative options for symptom management
• Pharmacogenomics and medication management
• Radiation therapy
• Scalp cooling cap to prevent hair loss

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Breast imaging technology

You are unique and your breast screening plan should be too. From screening mammograms to breast MRIs, we develop a personalized screening plan to ensure there's nowhere for breast cancer to hide. And with less time between screening and test results, you can prioritize your breast health without the added wait and worry.

Technology offered includes:

• 3D digital mammography, also called breast tomosynthesis
  This is an imaging test that combines multiple breast X-rays to create a 3D picture of the breast that can be analyzed as a whole or in small fractions for greater detail. For breast cancer screening purposes, the machine also creates standard 2D mammogram images.
• Computer-aided detection, or CAD
  CAD is an advanced technology that assists radiologists by digitizing and analyzing mammograms for suspicious regions that may be indicative of cancer.
• Breast ultrasounds
  These are precise images of the breast produced using high-frequency sound waves, to investigate specific areas of the breast that look or feel abnormal, or appear abnormal on a mammogram image.
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI
  MRI is a diagnostic test which creates cross-sectional images of the breast. No ionizing radiation is used.
• Molecular breast imaging, or MBI
  MBI is a diagnostic test used to improve breast cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue using radioactive tracers and a special camera. Both dense breast tissue and cancer appear white on a mammogram, which may make breast cancer more difficult to detect. With MBI, the tracer attaches to breast cancer cells making them appear brighter in the images. This test does not replace a screening mammogram and is recommended as a part of an overall screening plan.

As part of our comprehensive cancer approach, additional diagnostic tools and treatment plans may include options available at Mayo Clinic.

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Mobile mammography

The mobile mammography unit brings Mayo Clinic care, close to home expanding patient access to the latest 3D breast imaging technology to Minnesota and Wisconsin communities. Our mobile mammography unit and breast imaging experts collaborate with other healthcare providers, educators, and community agencies to screen, educate, and refer women for continued care and treatment when necessary.

If your business or community organization would like more information on how to partner with the mobile mammography unit to bring breast cancer screening to your employees or your community, email mobilemammo@mayo.edu.

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Breast cancer care specialists

Why settle for one opinion, when you can access an entire team at our breast clinic. Our providers specialize in breast health, and our priority is not only early detection and treatment, but to optimize your overall health and well-being. Whether your appointment involves a routine screening mammogram or a follow-up to breast cancer treatment, we're with you every step of the way.

Our specialists include:

• General surgeons
• Infusion therapists
• Nurse navigators
• Oncologists
• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
• Primary care providers
• Radiology breast technicians

Additional care and therapies may be provided by:

• Medication therapy management
• Nutrition counseling
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy
• Radiation oncology
• Research
• Social services

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Referrals

You can make an appointment without a referral from your provider — simply call the appointment number of your preferred breast cancer care location.

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FAQ

What should I expect during my first appointment, and what should I bring?

For your first appointment, bring any imaging or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form to authorize the transfer of health records from another health care facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for this form and other forms in multiple languages.

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Visit the billing page of your preferred location for information on insurance, billing and payments.

We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn more about financial assistance options.

Can you provide a second opinion?

Yes — simply call the appointment number at your preferred breast cancer care location. See What should I expect during my first appointment? for tips on how to prepare.

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of emergency. For after-hours help for other issues, review our convenient care options.

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Explore our locations or providers near you for details on expert breast cancer care: