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The Breast Clinic of Makati Medical Center has one of the most comprehensive breast imaging facilities in the country. With digital mammogram unit and high definition ultrasound machines, the Breast Clinic provides patients with complete and precise diagnostic options.

Breast Clinic is composed of all female staff that handles all our patient’s diagnostic needs with utmost privacy and care. Our examinations can be tailor made for each patient and procedures are closely monitored by our experienced doctors.

Early Detection

Breast Cancer is one of the most common forms of cancers in women, but in many cases, this can be successfully treated if detected early. Early detection, thus, is your best protection against breast cancer.

Makati Medical Center Breast Clinic offers comprehensive diagnostic modalities such as mammography and sonomammography that can help detect the early stages of breast cancer. Our diagnostic equipment are current, state-of-the-art and at par with renowned foreign institutions.

Services:

Mammograms

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray picture of the breast.
A woman stands in front of mammography machine, and one of her breasts is placed on a clear plastic plate and gently, but firmly, pressed from another plate above her breast. The plates flatten the plates and keep it still, which helps produce a better mammogram image. The pressure lasts a few seconds and does not harm the breast. The same steps are repeated with the other breast. The plates of the machine are then tilted to take a side view of each breast. When done, a woman will have had two different x-rays, or views of each breast, for a total of four x-rays

• an x-ray procedure of the breast
• best screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women with or without symptoms
• it can pick up early changes in the breast before a patient or physician can feel them
• no preparation needed
• patient should be conscious, awake and cooperative
• usually done on an out-patient basis
• annual mammogram is recommended at the age of 40
• performed by highly trained and skilled mammography technologist

TYPES OF MAMMOGRAM:

a.Screening Mammogram

• mostly done as a routine study
• performed in women without any clinical signs and symptoms
• only four (4) basic views are taken

b.Diagnostic Mammogram

• performed in women with clinical signs and symptoms and to patients who are high risk (those with family history of breast cancer)
• performed in women without any clinical signs and symptoms
• aside from the four (4) basic views, one or more views may be taken if necessary
• mammograms are checked by an experienced and highly competent radiologist

2. SONOMAMMOGRAM (BREAST ULTRASOUND)

• serves a complimentary study to mammography
• characterizes the clinically palpable or mammographically seen lesion, distinguishing it either as a solid or a cystic mass
• personally performed by experienced radiologist
• no preparation needed

3. SPECIAL PROCEDURES (BREAST ULTRASOUND)

a.Needle Wire Localization

• procedure which is usually done an hour or two (2) prior to surgical removal of a specific abnormality in the breast either under mammography or ultrasound guidance
• used as a guide to surgeons to the correct site of the target lesion within the breast, enabling them to successfully remove the suspicious abnormality
• after the procedure, patient is brought to the operating room for the surgery

b. Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy

• uses a large bore needle to obtain breast tissue samples for histopathologic examination

c. Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

• uses a fine needle to obtain fluid sample from a suspicious lesion or cyst for cytologic examination

d. Cyst Aspiration

• uses a small-gauged needle to aspirate fluid from a breast cyst (a fluid-filled sac inside the breast)
• usually done to alleviate patient’s symptom from a large or palpable breast cyst

e. Galactography

• used to evaluate the involved ductal system of the patient’s breast complaining of nipple discharge. Discharge may either clear, straw-colored or bloody.

Breast Self-Exam

Breast Exam (BSE) is a procedure you can use to examine your breasts for lumps or abnormalities. BSE is the crucial step for early detection of breast cancer.

Even before you begin, remember that if you do find a change, the chances of the change indicating cancer are small. The important thing is to contact your doctor as soon as possible.

The best times to do your exam are during the following:

• 7-10 days after the start of your menstrual cycle, when your breasts are less tender
• For post menopausal women, on the same day of each month
• For mothers who are breastfeeding, after nursing.

1. In front of your mirror

Face the mirror with your arms on your sides, and look at your breasts for lumps, dimples, or other changes in appearance. Repeat the procedure with your arms raised over your head. Now, with your hands on your hips and chest muscles tensed, look for lumps or changes. Finally, gently squeeze each nipple and check for discharge

2. While showering

Put one hand behind your head Soap your other hand then press it firmly against your breast with your fingers held flat Make small circles from your nipple outward, feeling your entire breast and underarm area for lumps Do the same procedure to your other breast.

3. While lying down

Lie on your back in a comfortable position Place a pillow under your left shoulder.
Examine your left breast with your right hand using the same procedure you used while showering. Now, move the pillow to under your right shoulder and examine your right breast.

BREAST CLINIC

• 2nd floor, Tower 2 (Annex Building)
  
• Telephone: 632 8888 999 locals 3200 or 3201
• Clinic hours: Monday to Friday 7am-7pm,
  Saturday 8am-5pm

Department Head: Melodie Grace M. Remorca, MD

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