Comprehensive Breast Program

Our Approach to Breast Care in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

At UMass Memorial, you have access to comprehensive breast care at every stage of life, from routine mammograms to breast cancer care and advanced surgeries. Our team provides compassionate, expert care for a wide range of breast health needs. We keep you informed every step of the way, so you feel confident about your care.

Accolades

We are nationally accredited for excellence, recognized by several organizations for providing high-quality, personalized and effective breast care:

• Commission on Cancer (CoC): Our hospitals are all accredited by the CoC, reflecting our commitment to providing excellence, accountability and compassionate, patient-centered care.
• National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC): The Bob M. Quinlan, MD, Breast Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center is proud to be accredited by the NAPBC. This recognition means we meet rigorous standards for delivering high-quality, integrated breast cancer care.
• American College of Radiology (ACR): Our imaging centers are nationally recognized as Comprehensive Breast Imaging Centers by the ACR. You receive care that meets the highest standards in safety, technology and expertise.

Our Breast Care Services

We offer patient-centered care focusing on your health goals and well-being. Whether you have a benign lump or need advanced surgery, we are here to care for you, from diagnosis to recovery and beyond.

Benign Breast Condition Management

Our skilled team cares for people with common, noncancerous breast conditions, including:

• Fibrocystic breast changes
• Gynecomastia
• Mastitis
• Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM)

From your first evaluation to follow-up, we guide you through each stage until symptoms are resolved. We help you understand the condition and what to expect. We also discuss preventive techniques to keep you healthy and feeling your best.

Breast Cancer Screening

Annual mammograms are a powerful tool in detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear and when treatment is most effective. We are committed to making breast cancer screening as simple, accessible and comfortable as possible.

If a mammogram shows any concern or irregularity, we ask you to return for additional imaging so we can learn more about it. There are many types of breast growths, and not all of them are cancerous or require treatment.

Our advanced imaging services are available on short notice. This availability helps you find out quickly whether the lump is noncancerous or requires further investigation.

Advanced Breast Imaging Options

We offer a full range of diagnostic breast imaging services, including:

• 3D mammography: We take low-dose X-rays from different angles, giving us a detailed, clear and accurate view of breast tissue.
• Breast ultrasound: An ultrasound uses radio waves to produce images of structures within your breast. We often use it to determine whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass.
• Automated whole-breast ultrasound (ABUS): This screening technique is for people with dense breast tissue who are not experiencing cancer symptoms. ABUS provides our experts with a more detailed view than a traditional mammogram.
• Breast MRI: We use MRI to detect areas of high blood flow, which can be a sign of a cancerous growth. MRI can be an additional screening tool for people with a higher risk of breast cancer or with breast implants.
• Stereotactic (mammogram-guided) breast biopsy: This diagnostic tool is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that collects small tissue samples during mammography. Our technologists and board-certified radiologists use this imaging to explore areas of concern.
• Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy: We may use this approach to collect tissue samples for laboratory analysis. It’s a safe, minimally invasive needle procedure performed by an ultrasound technician and a board-certified radiologist.

Learn more about our mammography and breast imaging services.

High-Risk Screening and Genetic Counseling

You may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer due to family history, genetic factors or other health conditions. We offer the region’s only High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic. You can find specialized services to help you understand your risk — and take steps to protect your health.

If your case is considered high-risk, our team works with you to create a personalized screening plan. Our goal is to detect any changes early and provide peace of mind through close monitoring. Your screening plan may include:

• More frequent imaging
• Advanced diagnostic tools
• Medication for risk reduction
• Regular check-ins with breast health specialists

As part of our cancer genetic testing service, certified genetic counselors help you explore whether inherited factors may play a role in your breast health.

Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care

If you received a breast cancer diagnosis, our team of specialists is here to support you. Our experts understand the complexities of breast cancer treatment and provide whole-person care, treating your body, mind and spirit. We offer comprehensive oncology care, including surgery, medical oncology (chemotherapy and other medications) and radiation therapy.

Expert Breast Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction

Your care plan may involve surgery. UMass Memorial offers the most advanced breast surgery techniques available, delivered by a team that prioritizes your comfort, safety and outcomes.

Our breast and plastic surgeons work together to tailor the procedure to your needs and preferences. Whether you're facing a benign condition or a cancer diagnosis, we help you make informed decisions and support you every step of the way.

Breast Surgery We Provide

Our team specializes in advanced breast surgery procedures that prioritize precision, comfort and aesthetics, including:

• Lumpectomy
• Excisional biopsy
• Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy
• Oncoplastic options that combine cancer surgery with cosmetic techniques for optimal results

We also offer a full range of breast reconstruction options, including:

• Flat aesthetic closure for those who choose not to reconstruct
• Goldilocks mastectomy, which uses your own tissue for a natural result
• Implant-based and tissue-based reconstruction tailored to your body and goals

Medical Oncology

Our breast cancer medical oncologists use medications and therapies, such as chemotherapy, to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading. We tailor your treatment plan to your needs, guiding you through each step with compassion and clarity. Learn more about medical oncology.

Radiation Therapy

We may recommend radiation therapy after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells. Our radiation therapy experts use advanced technologies that deliver radiation precisely where it’s needed. This approach maximizes effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

One of these innovations is surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT), which uses 3D imaging to position and monitor you in real time during treatment. This method is highly accurate and enhances comfort and precision.

We use several types of radiation therapy for breast cancer. Our team chooses the right approach for you based on the cancer stage, surgical approach, tumor size and your overall health. Find out more about radiation therapy.

Your Nurse Navigator

If you received concerning results from a mammogram, you may feel unsettled and anxious. It’s normal to have questions or concerns. That’s where your dedicated nurse navigator comes in. They provide the compassionate, personalized support you need to navigate your journey with confidence. Learn more about our breast cancer nurse navigator.