Breast Imaging

UCSF Breast Imaging offers a full spectrum of imaging techniques for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer and related cancers, using the most advanced equipment. Our services range from digital mammograms to breast MRIs and ultrasounds to image-guided procedures, such as taking tissue samples, removing fluid and locating areas of concern before a surgical biopsy. (See the complete list below of available imaging services. Not all services are available at every location.)

Our record as a world-renowned breast imaging program spans 30 years. Speed of diagnosis is a distinguishing feature, with nearly all breast imaging results reported within 24 hours. (Results are available in MyChart or by request from the UCSF Imaging Library.) We use 100 percent full-field digital mammography, which has been shown to detect cancers that were missed using older technologies and uses less radiation than analog mammography.

Specialized nurse navigators

Our nurse navigators are registered nurses with special training in breast imaging and breast care. They serve as your primary point of contact and personal advocate from the time an abnormality is found through diagnosis. Your nurse navigator provides personalized education, care coordination, and support to both you and your family.

Our nurse navigator services include:

• Providing breast cancer risk-reduction counseling and screening recommendations
• Explaining your imaging results and guiding you through the recommended next steps
• Helping you prepare for and recover from biopsy procedures
• Informing you about your biopsy results and recommended follow-up care
• Discussing breast cancer pathology (specifics on a particular cancer and how it tends to progress) and providing an overview of treatments
• Arranging for referrals to breast health specialists, genetic counselors and social workers

To contact our nurse navigators, please call (415) 502-4595 or email [email protected]

Receiving your mammography results

You'll be able to view the results of your screening mammogram as soon as they become available – in most cases before your provider has a chance to review them and discuss them with you. (This is due to the federal 21st Century Cures Act, which was enacted to improve transparency between health care providers and patients.)

Rest assured that if your results are abnormal, one of our nurse navigators will reach out to you within two business days to discuss the results and answer your questions. The nurse will also talk to you about any recommended follow-up tests and assist you with scheduling them.

It's important to know that in most cases of an abnormal result, additional testing determines that there is no cancer.

Our services

Not all services are available at every one of our locations (see map below). Call your desired location to find out if the service you need is offered there.

• Breast MRI
• Breast ultrasound
• Fine needle aspiration
• Mammogram
• MRI-guided core biopsy
• Needle (wire) and magseed localization procedure
• Stereotactic core breast biopsy
• Ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration
• Ultrasound-guided core breast biopsy