Scripps Polster Breast Care Center

The Scripps Polster Breast Care Center offers comprehensive, coordinated care through a wide range of services and programs. Our caring staff of registered nurses, mammography technologists and administrative professionals focus on meeting the needs of each patient. Breast cancer treatment services including breast surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also available at Scripps La Jolla and throughout the Scripps system.

Imaging services

Expert radiologists who specialize in breast care offer a wide range of imaging services including:

• Screening and diagnostic digital mammography analyzed by the R2 Image Checker, a computer aided detection (CAD) system.
• Ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy to help diagnose breast abnormalities.
• Molecular breast imaging (MBI), which identifies tumors that are not visible in a traditional mammogram through an injection of short-lived radioactive particles that accumulate in tumor cells more than normal cells.
• Breast MRI to determine the extent of disease, monitor response to therapy in breast cancer patients and further evaluate mammographic, sonographic and clinical abnormalities.
• Stereotactic breast biopsy.
• Needle localization prior to surgery, to accurately identify the location of the breast abnormality.

Education and consultation services

• Patient and family education includes instruction on breast self-examination, breast health and breast cancer.
• Our reference library offers educational materials for loan and Internet access for browsing online resources.
• Genetic education and testing services.

Therapy programs and support services

• Support groups are available for women with breast cancer and are offered free of charge — you do not have to be a Scripps patient to participate.

• The Lymphedema Management Program offers an individualized treatment program that incorporates physical and occupational therapy.

• The Breast Buddy Support Program matches a breast cancer survivor with a patient to provide support through diagnosis, treatment and recovery of breast cancer.

Wellness programs

• Healthy lifestyle programs
• Nutritional counseling
• Music therapy