Our Services
Center for Breast Health
Woman to woman
We have the answer…woman to woman
Each year more than 200,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and countless more women will find breast lumps, have abnormal calcium deposits discovered on mammograms or have other breast concerns. Some women just need to know how to stay healthy. At the Center for Breast Health, we use a team approach to care, providing accurate answers, complete education and confident advice. With highly trained team members, the St. Luke Hospital is committed to providing the winning combination in quality breast health care.
Meet your team members
Family doctor/health care provider (HCP)
When you have a breast health concern, an abnormal breast exam or abnormal mammogram, you need to be checked by your family doctor or HCP. You may then be referred to a surgeon specializing in breast health and surgery.
Surgeons
Woman to Woman is our philosophy. Our surgeons specialize in breast health and breast surgery. They are knowledgeable, experienced and committed to the highest standards of care.
Your surgeon can provide counseling regarding options for breast cancer treatment and referrals to other appropriate team members.
Surgical services include:
- Surgical biopsy—removes an area of abnormality for pathology analysis. It can be completed either by palpation of a lump or with needle localization.
- Lumpectomy—the surgical removal of a breast lump that is malignant (cancerous) or pre-cancerous.
- Mastectomy—removes essentially all breast tissue and the nipple. It may or may not include removal of the lymph nodes.
- Sentinel node biopsy—a biopsy that identifies and tests the lymph node that receives the first drainage from a tumor.
- Vascular access device placement—a device implanted under the skin with a catheter threaded through a large vein to the heart. It allows intravenous medications to be easily delivered and allows access for blood tests.
Nurse navigators
Your nurse navigators are specifically trained in breast health and women's issues. They will guide you on the journey to wellness by providing support, education and access to community and national resources.
Mammogram technician
A radiology technician who specializes in performing mammograms gently and expertly.
Radiologist
A medical doctor who specializes in reading x-rays and performing procedures in radiology.
Radiological services include:
- Mammogram—a low-radiation x-ray that views the internal structures of the breast from the top and side. The breast is positioned between two surfaces to get a clear picture. It is usually painless, but some women may find the pressure to be somewhat uncomfortable. The radiologist needs several views of your breast; it is not unusual for many pictures to be taken. Our radiologists read the x-rays and then process them through the computer-aided diagnostic imaging tool to provide a double-check to rule out potential problems.
There are two types of mammograms:
- Ultrasound—another breast imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of breast tissue. Images are displayed on video screens and photographed for our radiologist to read. Ultrasound can often reveal whether a lump is filled with fluid or is solid. Ultrasound waves pass through fluid but bounce off solid areas. Ultrasounds are painless and the results are often available immediately.
- Ultrasound-guided biopsy—can be preformed if your diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound reveals a breast abnormality that the radiologist recommends be examined with biopsy. Image-guided biopsies are performed in radiology. After using a local anesthetic to numb your skin, the radiologist can use a needle to draw cells or a tissue specimen for analysis. The radiologist may use an ultrasound or a stereotactic mammogram to accurately locate the area to be biopsied. Your biopsy will then be sent to the Pathologist for careful evaluation. Results are available to the health care provider within one to two days.
- Stereotactic biopsy—a minimally invasive procedure that uses three-dimensional computerized imaging to pinpoint suspicious areas in the breast. Tissue samples may be drawn with a needle. This type of biopsy is most helpful when the abnormality can be seen on a mammogram but not felt during physical examination. Results are available to the health care provider within two to four days.
- Needle localization—a procedure preformed using x-rays to determine the precise location of abnormal tissue. A needle can be inserted into the area to allow your surgeon to accurately remove the abnormality for analysis. This is especially helpful when the abnormality can be seen on a mammogram or ultrasound but cannot be felt.
- Glactogram—a procedure to evaluate breast ducts. If you have abnormal nipple discharge, your health care provider may order this procedure. A small needle is gently inserted into the nipple and x-ray dye is injected. X-rays of the breast will show the anatomy of the ducts, which can help your health care provider to determine the cause of the discharge. Results are often available immediately.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—available off site. Our radiologists work at Kentucky Diagnostic Center, where MRI studies are preformed. Your health care provider can help you decide if a breast MRI is appropriate for you. MRI is a computerized body imaging process that uses radio waves and powerful magnets to provide three-dimensional images of the body.
- DEXA (Dual energy x-ray absorptionometry) scan—a test that screens your bone density to detect osteoporosis (bone loss) or osteopenia (bone thinning). Because many women with breast concerns should not use estrogen, determining whether you are at risk for bone weakness is important. Your health care provider can determine whether you will need help in maintaining or building bone density.
Screening mammograms routinely examine breast tissue to detect changes. These are usually annual for women older than 40. The results are available to your health care provider within two to four days.
Diagnostic mammograms are used to evaluate breast symptoms such as lumps, thickening, nipple discharge or pain. Results are available immediately. Additional studies, such as ultrasound, may be recommended by the radiologist who immediately evaluates your films.
Pathologist
A medical doctor who specializes in analyzing body tissue to determine the presence of disease. Using a microscope, your pathologist can detect abnormalities that are too small to be seen or felt.
Medical oncologist
A cancer doctor who specializes in chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Chemotherapy utilizes cytotoxic, (cell-killing) drugs to treat cancer. If you have breast cancer, your medical oncologist may recommend chemotherapy.
Radiation oncologist
A cancer doctor who specializes in radiation and nuclear medicine. Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy penetrating rays to treat cancer by killing abnormal cells.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon
A medical doctor who performs reconstructive surgery to rebuild a breast that has been surgically removed. The surgeon can provide breast reconstruction if you need or chose to have mastectomy as part of your treatment. Your plastic surgeon will educate you about the many techniques available.
Physicians for women
Provide specialized comprehensive care in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive health. The physicians nurse midwives and nurse practitioners can provide care and counseling for all your needs, from pregnancy to menopause.
Massage therapists
Provide much-needed relaxation and relief of muscle tension in a totally private atmosphere. Your massage therapist can customize your massage to meet your specific relaxation goals.
Nutritionists
Specially educated in nutrition and diets. Consultations can address prevention and treatment, healing foods, vitamin, minerals and supplements. Consultations also provide education on achieving and sustaining healthy weight and personalized menu planning.
Social services
Provide counselors who are prepared to help you with one-on-one coping skills and referrals to community resources. They are required to have a college degree and may be licensed or have certificates from the state where they practice.
Image/lymphedema consultants
Can help during cancer treatment. Cancer therapy can change how you look and feel, from possible breast and hair loss to swelling in your arms (lymphedema). We have specialists who can personalize your needs for wigs and prostheses. You will have private consultations with specialists who can assist you with insurance concerns about payment.
Physical therapists
Available to assist with your mobility needs before and after surgery in an effort to prevent complications and improve function.
Genetic counselors
Can help you learn about the impact of family history on health. We have a partnership with The Heredity Cancer Program, a long-standing hematology/oncology program at Children's Hospital Medical Center, The University Hospital and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Your physician may recommend genetic counseling for you and/or your family members.
Financial counselors
Available to answer financial and insurance questions and to assist in completing financial forms.
Circle of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group
Patients and their families receive friendship, support and inspiration from other survivors. The Circle includes survivors in all stages of their recovery. Each monthly gathering has a topic for fun and education. Meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Outpatient Pavilion at St. Luke East in Fort Thomas.
National and community partnerships
American Cancer Society
Breast Cancer Alliance of Greater Cincinnati
Cancer Family Care
Hospice of Northern Kentucky
National Consortium of Breast Centers
Northern Kentucky Women's Cancer Coalition
Susan B. Komen Association
Wellness Community
Our mission
The mission of the St. Luke Hospital Center for Breast Health is to improve the quality of breast health care in Northern Kentucky. The Center for Breast Health uses a multidisciplinary approach to care by drawing upon resources from the community and The St. Luke Hospitals.
We provide the highest quality breast care without discrimination based on race, creed, age, gender or ability to pay. Care encompasses the physical, psychosocial, emotional, spiritual and environmental needs of patients and their designated family members. The Center for Breast Health administers care in a cost-effective manner with compassion, competence and commitment.
The Center for Breast Health functions within the guidelines of the St. Luke Hospital Surgical Department and is an active member of the National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc.
Hours of operation
East: Center for Breast Health, Outpatient Pavilion
West: Center for Breast Health, 1st Floor Atrium
Registration: Appointments are required. Please call 859-572-3434.
Fee: Varies