Breast health

Our facility has been accredited by the American College of Radiology for computerized tomography scans (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine and ultrasounds.

For additional breast diagnostic testing, we offer treatment in our outpatient facility. This facility has been accredited by the American College of Radiology and the Joint Commission in mammography, nuclear medicine, ultrasounds, MRI and CT. The imaging services at our facilities are provided by board-certified radiologists and radiation technologists accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Additional services we provide include:

• 3D mammography
• Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, or, bone density scans
• Stereotactic biopsy
• Traditional mammography
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy

Diagnostic mammograms

A mammogram is a safe, low dose form of X-ray that is able to detect irregularities in the breast. During the exam, one breast at a time will be rested on a flat surface that contains an X-ray plate. Snug compression will be applied to help spread the breast tissue to enable it to be better visualized. The pictures will be taken from several angles to show all of the breast tissue. These exams have two types:

• Diagnostic mammograms — Tests performed for women who exhibit signs of breast disease, have had cancer previously or who have breast implants
• Screening mammograms — Routine tests for women who show no symptoms of breast disease

In a diagnostic mammogram, different views are taken to get more accurate information. In some instances, an ultrasound scan is also taken to clarify findings. For most women, these additional breast imaging studies simply prove that there is no cause for concern.

If you need breast cancer imaging, we also offer 3D digital mammography, which stores images on computers, rather than X-ray film, to help examine breast tissue for abnormalities.

Why mammograms are important

The risk of breast cancer increases with age. The American Cancer Society recommends women keep the following schedules for mammograms and clinical breast exams:

• At 20 years old, begin having your breasts examined by a medical professional at least every three years
• At 40 years old, begin having a screening mammogram and a clinical breast exam every year

Many experts believe this testing schedule is the most effective way to detect breast cancer when no symptoms exist. The accuracy rate for mammography is more than 90% when used in combination with a physical exam. Mammograms can detect a tumor up to three years before it can be felt manually, when the rate of cure approaches 100%.