Women's Imaging
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Crestwood Medical Center provides helpful services to educate women on breast health, and encourage self-exams and routine screenings. We utilize imaging technology that may detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective. The combination of caring technologists and imaging technology allows us to deliver quality care.
What is a Screening Mammogram?
A screening mammogram is a special X-ray picture of the breast performed in women without symptoms to allow for the early diagnosis of breast cancer or other breast abnormalities.
Screening mammograms are performed in women who do not have any symptoms or signs of breast cancer. Higher risk women or women who have previously had breast cancer can also get screening mammograms if they are not having any symptoms.
Currently, yearly mammograms are recommended beginning at age 40 for all women. Earlier yearly screening may be recommended in women who are at a higher risk for breast cancer or have a family history of breast cancer.
What is 3D Mammography?
Crestwood Medical Center offers 3D and 2D mammography technology. Studies have shown that 3D mammography allows for higher cancer detection rates and lower false positive rates. The procedure to get a 3D mammogram will feel the same as standard 2D mammography. Additionally, with 3D mammograms there is often a decreased need for additional mammogram views or "callbacks" for benign or incidental findings.
What is a Diagnostic Mammogram?
Diagnostic mammograms are performed when you have a symptom such as a lump felt by you or your doctor, thickening in your breast, nipple discharge, change in breast size or shape or localized pain in the breast. Diagnostic mammograms will also be performed if you have had an abnormal mammogram or a personal breast cancer history.
A breast-fellowship trained radiologist will read your mammogram. Patients receive a summary of their mammography results by mail and a phone call of any abnormal results within 24 of your exam. If you need additional imaging or testing, our team will help you make them.
What is a Breast Ultrasound?
Breast ultrasound is used to evaluate a new lump felt by you or your doctor, or something seen on your mammogram. The ultrasound examination done in conjunction with the mammogram and/or clinical exam can help better characterize the area of interest.
What is a Breast Needle Biopsy?
We perform needle biopsies of the breast in the comfort of our office, using our imaging tools. Biopsies can be performed in a minimally invasive manner using ultrasound, stereotactic or 3D (tomosynthesis) guidance. We also perform cyst aspirations and fine needle aspirations. We will walk you through the procedure step by step to ease your anxiety. We want you to feel comfortable with your procedure. Our equipment allows us to see and accurately target the area that requires biopsy.
What is a Bone Density?
Bone density is an important part of caring for a women's health because when women age, have removal of their ovaries or take certain medications, their bone density can decrease. Very low bone density is called osteoporosis, and can increase your risk of fractures. Because fractures can be debilitating, measurement of bone density to allow for treatment of osteoporosis is very important to prevent unnecessary fractures. A very detailed bone density report is provided to your physician and they will guide your therapy.