New England Breast and Wellness takes a personalized, comprehensive, and intimate approach to breast health and wellness. We provide comprehensive breast cancer screening in Boston as well as staging, diagnosis, and treatment services for precancerous conditions and benign/ malignant growths. Dr. Katherina Calvillo is a breast cancer specialist and surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience at Harvard and Dana Farber Cancer Institute — she curates personalized patient care programs to support you through every step of this journey. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Calvillo for more information.
Clinical Breast Exams
At New England Breast and Wellness, we aim to remove cancer while preserving as much of your breast tissues as safely possible. We provide routine mammograms and diagnostic imaging tests to detect breast cancer at the earliest stage possible. Furthermore, we use the latest computer-based technologies, such as digital breast tomosynthesis, to improve diagnostic and imaging capabilities. Below, we provide an overview of the breast cancer screening options available.
Mammograms: Mammograms are a series of low-dose x-rays of the breasts. Women with a high risk of breast cancer should ideally opt for annual mammograms to identify breast cancer at the earliest stage possible when it’s a lot more treatable. A mammogram is one of the least invasive screening techniques, making it suitable for routine checkups. We also provide 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis), which involves taking three-dimensional images of the breasts from multiple angles for optimal diagnosis, during our breast exams in Boston.
Breast Ultrasound: A breast ultrasound is generally performed after a breast MRI or mammogram to further evaluate the breasts. An ultrasound is generally necessary for women with a high risk of breast cancer or those with dense breasts, but it can never replace a mammogram. This screening test allows the doctor to identify the size, shape, and location of the tumor. Your doctor may also use ultrasound guidance for optimal precision during biopsies.
Breast MRI: An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an additional breast screening tool after a mammogram, generally meant for patients with a high risk of breast cancer or to further investigate specific problems. A breast MRI can be performed in addition to a mammogram but never instead of it — an MRI can’t distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous growths. This diagnostic tool utilizes a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create extremely detailed images of the breast.
Breast Imaging Review
During your breast exam in Boston, if a lump or abnormality is detected during your clinical breast exams, your doctor will perform a breast biopsy to determine if it’s cancerous. A biopsy is the only effective means of confirming and diagnosing breast cancer. The news that a biopsy needs to be performed can be disconcerting, but please remember that up to 80% of all biopsies display benign (non-cancerous) results.
We use minimally invasive biopsy techniques to ensure you’re physically and emotionally comfortable during this period. During the biopsy, the doctor will remove a small sample of the abnormal or suspicious breast tissues using one of several techniques, such as fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, image-guided core needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy. The sample will then be studied to diagnose breast cancer.
Health Screenings to Prevent Breast Cancer
Regular breast cancer screening is essential for the early detection of breast cancer. We recommend routine health screenings for women with a strong family history of breast cancer, survivors of breast cancer, those with gene mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer, and others with a high risk of developing breast cancer. We also offer genetic counseling and genetic testing to determine if you have an increased risk of hereditary breast cancers.
Breast Cancer Care in Wellesley, MA
Dr. Katherina Calvillo follows an individualized and intimate approach to breast cancer care, ensuring you feel emotionally and physically supported through every stage of your journey. If you have the signs or symptoms of breast cancer or if you fall into one of the high-risk categories, please contact us to explore your options for breast cancer screening in Boston and Wellesley, MA.
