We focus on finding and treating breast cancer and other breast conditions. 

Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast. Like other cancers, it involves a faulty cell multiplying over and over again. This can result in a tumor or lump. There are different types of breast cancer and breast conditions. Some include:

• Breast lump - A condition where part of your breast is swollen or feels different from other breast tissue. Not all lumps are breast cancer.
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) - Breast cancer where the cancer cells are in the breast ducts and no other breast tissue. This type of cancer is non-invasive, meaning it hasn’t spread to other areas.
• Inflammatory breast cancer - Breast cancer where cancer cells block the skin’s lymph vessels. This type of cancer is less common and differs from other breast cancer symptoms and treatments.
• Invasive ductal carcinoma - Breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissues. This type of breast cancer is the most common.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma - Breast cancer that starts in the breast glands that make milk and spreads to other parts of the breast. This is the second most common type of breast cancer.
• Metastatic breast cancer - Breast cancer that spreads to other parts of the body, including other organs.

Your care team helps you understand your breast condition and treatment options.  

The best way to find breast cancer early is with a mammogram.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. It’s the best way we know how to detect breast cancer early before it becomes advanced enough for you to feel. The earlier your provider finds breast cancer, the more likely breast cancer treatment will work. We offer digital 3D mammography which can detect breast cancers earlier, and it is more accurate than traditional 2D mammograms.

As you get older, your risk for breast cancer goes up. The mammogram age for most women starts at age 40 to 45. Check with your insurance to confirm the exact age. According to the American Cancer Society women with a normal risk level for breast cancer should get a mammogram every year, starting at age 45.

We have a team of expert technologists. They are licensed and certified in mammography by the state of Texas and the American Registry of Radiological Technologists.

When you get a mammogram, a physician interprets all images at Lubbock Diagnostic Radiology. They follow strict qualification standards from the Mammography Quality Standards Act and the American College of Radiology.

We create a treatment plan unique to you. We use the most advanced technologies, along with a care team that’s with you every step of the way. Your plan may include:

• Breast surgery - May involve a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or breast reconstruction.
• Clinical trials - Gives you access to the newest research and treatments for breast cancer. 
• Complementary and alternative medicines  - May involve naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic services or massage therapy.
• Genomic sequencing - Looks at your tumor’s DNA, so your care team can understand the unique parts of your tumor. This helps find the treatments that may be most successful.
• Radiation therapy - Can help shrink the size of the tumor.
• Systemic therapies - May involve chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy. These can be used together or separately to target breast cancer cells. 

Our services focus on keeping you healthy – body, mind, and spirit. They include: 

• Breast care
  • Breast biopsy - Removes tissue from a breast tumor to help with precise diagnosis and treatment.
  • Breast needle localization - Helps find the exact location of a lump or abnormal tissue detected with a mammogram.
  • Diagnostic breast ultrasound - Uses sound waves to see pictures of the inside of your breast and other body areas, such as the thyroid, pelvis and abdomen.
  • Digital 3D mammography - An X-ray of the breasts that helps find breast cancer early. Includes breast tomosynthesis, diagnostic mammograms, screening mammograms
• Bone mineral density tests - Measure calcium and minerals in your bones to detect osteoporosis and other bone conditions
• Genetic counseling - Helps you understand your risk of breast cancer based on your family history and genes. May help with the prevention of breast cancer.

When you come to Arrington Comprehensive Breast Center, you have access to a team of experts, who are fully committed to your care. Your team comes together to discuss your treatment plan. They share their expertise and map out the best path forward for you.

Your care team includes:

• Genetics experts
• Mammogram technologists
• Medical oncologists
• Pathologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Surgeons
• Other health professionals

• Care navigators
• Spiritual support
• Social workers
• Nutrition services
• Palliative care
• Shuttle services
• Financial counselors

Clinical trials are research studies that test whether new medical treatments, devices or plans are safe and effective. Patients who volunteer for clinical trials play an active role in their own health care. They often gain access to the most cutting-edge therapies and ideas and help others by improving and advancing medical care.

Our cancer specialists work closely with researchers at Providence to find new ways to treat breast cancer. Clinical trials give you access to the latest treatments available.

Several clinic trials are open at any time. Your care team will work with you to see if a clinical trial is the best option for your specific type of cancer.