University Breast Center (UBC) is the first Breast Imaging Center of Excellence in the Knoxville region. UBC is committed to reducing breast cancer through early detection, education and treatment. It performed more than 23,000 total procedures in 2007. Its physicians are board-certified radiologists that specialize in breast imaging. These physicians serve not only UBC, but also the medical community through active teaching roles in the Graduate School of Medicine at UT Medical Center. These physicians are training the doctors of tomorrow.

UBC was awarded the prestigious Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. The award demonstrates excellence in breast imaging by successfully achieving accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.

The fear that one has a breast disorder can create great anxiety. UBC’s staff—from the scheduling coordinator to the physician—knows that patients need and deserve sensitivity, compassion and concern during this time. The all-female staff continually is striving to deliver the high quality of care that each patient deserves. Technologists are registered and have specialized certification in mammography. Nurse coordinators are registered nurses who are qualified trainers for the MammaCare Program of breast self-exam. They provide emotional and physical support before, during and after the imaging experience. Each of the physicians believes, not only in providing the highest standard of medical care, but also in educating each patient to become an active partner in her own breast healthcare. State-of-the-art equipment and a compassionate, women-friendly atmosphere are what patients can expect to experience at UBC.

Unique Resources

Available Services

As a UT Medical Center provider, UBC has an entire list of extended services.

• Access to the latest research and technology through the academic medical center
• Access to the latest in diagnostic equipment and procedures.
• Access to a Breast Imagining Center of Excellence.
• Team-centered diagnosis and treatment led by the area’s foremost specialists in breast imaging, surgery, oncology, radiation therapy and pathology.
• Weekly team conferences to review recent mammograms, biopsy results and treatment plans with these specialists.
• Genetic counseling.
• Support services unique to the Cancer Institute.
• Care and experience - Radiologists spend 70 percent of their time reviewing mammograms and, in 2007 alone, they reviewed 15,500 combined screening and diagnostic mammograms. In 2007, UBS performed more than 23,000 total procedures. Read "Breast Cancer Detection More Likely When More Time Spent With Mammograms."
• Partnership with the Cancer Institute’s Breast Health Outreach Program, which provides education and screening services to geographically isolated and medically underserved areas of East Tennessee.

Available Services

• Mammography Screening—A safe and simple X-ray procedure that creates an image of the breast. This exam includes a minimum of two X-ray views of each breast. A clear image is created by compressing the breast tissue to separate overlapping tissue. This increases the chances of locating potential problems of the breast.
• Ultrasound Examination—Ultrasound examines the breast tissue by using high-frequency, inaudible sound waves. This procedure is safe, painless and does not require exposure to X-rays. It also is very helpful for young or pregnant women who cannot have X-rays, as well as women with questionable mammography findings.
• Ultrasound and Stereotactic-Guided Biopsy or Mammotome Probe Biopsy—Abnormalities detected by mammography or ultrasound are “sampled” with these procedures. These tissue samples can greatly enhance the physician’s ability to accurately diagnose potential areas of concern. These samples are taken using special needle biopsy devices and may eliminate the need for an open surgical biopsy. Both procedures have received accreditation by the American College of Radiology—a rare achievement that insures the highest quality of service.
• Wire Localization—This technique increases the accuracy of the biopsy and allows the smallest amount of breast tissue to be removed. This procedure uses a thin wire to lead the surgeon to the exact spot for the biopsy. It is used when an abnormal area is detected by mammogram but cannot be felt during a physical exam.
• Ductal Lavage—A minimally invasive method of collecting cells from the breast milk ducts where cancer often begins. The cells are analyzed to determine if any are abnormal or “atypical.” Atypical cells are not cancerous but may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. This information allows you and your physician to make decisions on how to reduce your risk.
• Ductography—This procedure is used to evaluate abnormal types of nipple discharge. A contrast material is injected into the affected duct to define the duct and its branches. Then, a mammogram is completed and the area of potential concern can be more accurately evaluated.
• Cyst Aspiration—When a cyst is detected by a mammogram or ultrasound, the fluid is removed by this process for symptomatic relief or further evaluation and analysis.
• Breast Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping—This procedure is done to detect early metastases (spread) to the lymph nodes of the axilla (armpit). The sentinel lymph node is thought to represent the “first” lymph node to receive drainage from the primary site of the breast cancer. A small amount of radioactive tracer material is injected into the breast tissue prior to surgery and an X-ray picture is taken to visualize the lymph node system. The surgeon also uses a small probe to find the lymph node in the operating room. If the sentinel lymph node is free of cancer, the other lymph nodes in the axilla may not need to be removed. This minimizes the risks and side effects of a full lymph node dissection.
• Bone Densitometry Screening for Osteoporosis—Osteoporosis is a disease that affects millions of people every year. However, early detection of the disease can lead to preventive treatment. This examination is helpful in measuring the amount of mineral in the bone, which relates directly to bone strength. The DPX requires that the patient lie on a table for only a few minutes while fully clothed, and it is done with a very low dose X-ray.

UBC performed more than 23,000 total procedures in 2007 alone. 

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The University Breast Center is here for you. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information or an appointment, call 865.305.9069 or toll free 877.4UBCMAM (877.482.2626).

Medical Building D, Second Floor, Suite 270
1934 Alcoa Highway
Knoxville, TN 37920