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Stanford Health Care

Breast Imaging Service

Breast Imaging Service

Stanford Health Care Imaging is committed to providing outstanding care, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, and offering the subspecialty expertise of Stanford's world-renowned Department of Radiology. Our team of medical professionals conduct more than a quarter of a million studies each year, maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence provided in a compassionate, caring environment.

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How To Catch Breast Cancer Early
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Mammogram: The Squeeze

Care and Treatment

Diagnostic Procedures

Comprehensive breast imaging services include:

  • Digital Mammography—screening and diagnostic
  • Breast Ultrasound and Ultrasound-Guided Core-Needle and Stereotactic Biopsy
  • Consolidated imaging workstations for mammograms, ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance images in one room, allowing doctors to directly compare images from multiple sources
  • Breast MRI and MRI-guided interventions
  • PET-CT—used in the initial staging or re-staging of cancer and in its response to treatment

Breast imaging services

Breast MRI

The use of a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to create detailed images of the breast tissue and any abnormalities that may present themselves.

Breast ultrasound

The use of high frequency sound waves to produce imaging of internal structures of the breast to aid in the detection and diagnosis of breast tissue abnormalities.

Mammography

A specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts and aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

Tomosynthesis (3D-like mammography) 

Tomosynthesis uses low dose x-rays to take mammogram images of the breast, and shows only a few layers of the breast at a time. Preliminary studies show higher cancer detection and lower false positives than full-field digital mammography (FFDM).

Image guided breast procedures

MRI core biopsy

Magnetic resonance imaging is used to help guide the radiologist's instruments to the site of the abnormal growth. Tissue samples are then removed with a hollow needle (called a core biopsy).

Stereotactic core biopsy

A special mammography machine uses x-rays (mammograms) to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of the suspicious imaging findings. 

Ultrasound fine needle aspiration biopsy or core biopsy

A procedure which uses ultrasound images to locate suspicious imaging findings, usually a breast mass. Small tissue samples are then removed using a fine needle to remove cells or a hollow needle (called a core biopsy.

Wire localization for surgery

A procedure used to guide the surgeon to the location of a breast mass too small or vague to feel accurately with the hand but needs to be removed and tested.

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For Patients

Call us to schedule an appointment at any of our imaging locations. Our CT and MRI services are available seven days a week, including evenings. Same-day appointments are also available.

PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Bring your driver's license or some form of identification, your insurance card, and the name and telephone number of your referring doctor.
  • Please arrive promptly at your provided arrival time. Late arrivals may result in a rescheduled appointment.

PATIENT FORMS

Please review the following prior to your appointment, if applicable:

Bring your completed forms, if applicable:

Call us to make an appointment

650-723-6855

Directions

Resources

For Health Care Professionals

PHYSICIAN TO PHYSICIAN RADIOLOGY CONSULT LINE

Phone: 650-736-1173

The reading room assistant is available to connect you with our sub-specialty radiologists and technologists. Please have the patient’s name, DOB, and medical record available.

  • Advice on what imaging study to order in a given clinical situation
  • STAT READ requests or report clarification
  • Consultation about specific imaging sequences or special requests
  • Inpatient exam schedule status updates
  • Report availability

Please direct any outpatient scheduling, rescheduling or cancellations to the Stanford Radiology Scheduling Center.

PHYSICIAN HELPLINE

Phone: 1-866-742-4811
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.

 

HOW TO REFER

If this is your first time referring a patient to Stanford for imaging, please complete the Unknown Provider Form (PDF) for the Medical Staff Office provider database.

Stanford Health Care Imaging Services - For general radiology referrals, please complete the Requisition / Exam Order Form (PDF), and for radiology wellness exams, use the CT Virtual Colonoscopy Requisition Form (PDF), or the CT Lung Cancer Screening Requisition Form (PDF).

Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley Imaging Services - For general radiology referrals, please complete the Requisition / Exam Order Form (PDF), and for radiology wellness exams, use the CT Lung Cancer Screening Requisition Form (PDF).

  • Send referrals online
  • Place radiology orders
  • View referral status
  • Access medical records
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Make an Appointment

To request an appointment by phone at any of our locations, call 650-723-6855.