Compassion, convenience and expertise
We know how stressful worries about breast health can be. Our goal at CHA is to make things less stressful, easier and convenient.
The Cambridge Breast Center provides a caring and supportive setting where you can get the care you need. When you or your doctor have a concern about your breasts, our team of breast health experts from surgery, mammography and cancer care (oncology) will work to get you answers quickly and come up with a plan of care.
We will coordinate all the services you need. If English is not your first language, interpreters are available to help.
Your Care at its Best
We’re all on the same team - yours
When you visit our center, you will be welcomed by our team. You will receive an exam and you may be referred for additional tests, like a mammogram, MRI or ultrasound. These may be on the same day or over the next few days, right in the same building.
Based on your test results, you may also need a biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of breast tissue for further testing. Our providers will help you understand your options and recommend the best method for you.
You’ll have a great team to help you understand your results. The entire team will meet with you to review your health needs, answer your questions and recommend a plan.
If cancer is found, we may recommend surgery as a first step. You may also need medical treatment (chemotherapy or radiation) before or after surgery. We provide chemotherapy at Cambridge Hospital and Everett Hospital. If radiation treatments are needed, we usually collaborate with the excellent radiation oncologists at Mount Auburn Hospital.
Resources and support throughout your journey
We know that a cancer diagnosis can be scary and have a serious impact on your life. As a Cambridge Breast Center patient, you’ll have support throughout your treatment and beyond. Your social worker can connect you with a wide variety of resources, such as cancer support groups, online education and places where you can get things like nutritional counseling, mindfulness and acupuncture.
Assessing your cancer risk
We know that a cancer diagnosis can be scary and have a serious impact on your life. As a Cambridge Breast Center patient, you’ll have support throughout your treatment and beyond. Your social worker can connect you with a wide variety of resources, such as cancer support groups, online education and places where you can get things like nutritional counseling, mindfulness and acupuncture.
If you have close relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer, we offer consultation and genetics testing with our High Risk/Cancer Genetics Clinic. Many people who carry a gene that increases the lifetime risk for breast or ovarian cancer are followed by our staff and the genetics clinic and have routine exams at the Breast Center.
Services
Breast Imaging
The CHA breast imaging center is equipped with state-of the-art breast health technology. These tests give your team important information about your health.
We are an American College of Radiology Center of Excellence and our goal is to meet your physical and emotional needs.
3-D Mammography
Mammograms are a special kind of X-rays used detect breast cancer early. They can find lumps and/or small early changes in the beast such as microcalcifications. During the procedure, the breast is compressed or squeezed to increase image quality so that x-rays can penetrate. The mammogram can also be used to do a breast biopsy.
Ultrasound
This is used to further examine abnormalities seen on the mammogram or during a breast exam. It uses sound waves to create an image of the breast without radiation, and can show a solid mass from a cystic or liquid filled lump. This can also be used to do a breast biopsy.
Breast MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
An MRI uses a powerful magnet to create images inside the body. Breast MRI is used on certain patients to provide more information about how the breast functions. It will show things not seen on mammogram or ultrasound, and may indicate if a biopsy is needed. It can also be used to do a breast biopsy. The radiologist will tell you which biopsy method is better if you need one.
Breast Biopsies
Stereotactic biopsy
A biopsy that uses the mammogram to help the radiologist find the area that needs a small sample taken for testing. This is taken with a small needle and local anesthesia (numbing medicine similar to what is used at the dentist) is applied to the skin for your comfort during the procedure.
Ultrasound biopsy
A biopsy that uses an ultrasound to help the radiologist to take a small sample. This is taken with a small needle and local anesthesia (numbing medicine similar to what is used at the dentist) is applied to the skin for your comfort during the procedure.
MRI biopsy
A biopsy that uses the MRI to help the radiologist find the area which needs sampling. This is taken with a small needle and local anesthesia (numbing medicine similar to what is used at the dentist) is applied to the skin for your comfort during the procedure.
Find a Provider
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Breast Surgery
General Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery
617-665-2555
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Social Worker and Patient Navigator
Social Work
617-665-2001
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CHA Oncologist
Hematology
Oncology
617-665-1552
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Director of Breast Imaging and Co-Director, Cambridge Integrated Clerkship
Radiology
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Division Chief, Department of Hematology/Oncology
Hematology
Oncology
617-665-1552