BREAST IMAGING

Our digital mammography services bring patients the most recent advancement in mammography technology. While similar to a traditional x-ray, digital mammography utilizes computer technology that receives the x-ray images and converts them into digital images. These images are much more clear and concise than traditional x-rays – and they can be viewed immediately by technologists and radiologists.

Breast ultrasound is often utilized in conjunction with mammography and assists in distinguishing if a lump or mass is solid tissue or if it is a fluid-filled cyst. The use of ultrasound allows our medical specialists to make diagnostic recommendations and can help patients avoid unnecessary surgical procedures. Screening breast ultrasound in addition to mammography for women with dense tissue has shown significant improvement in our ability to find early breast cancer.

Also known as a core biopsy, this is a minimally invasive method for determining if a lesion that was detected through a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI is cancerous. We offer three core biopsy procedures including stereotactic biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy and MRI guided. During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is obtained with a needle – which is then sent to a pathologist to be read. The alternative to this method is a surgical biopsy, which is a much more invasive procedure.

One of the most advanced and accurate imaging methods known to modern medicine. MRI uses a powerful but harmless magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of specific body structures and organs. MRI has been proven effective in the diagnosis of specific types of breast cancer. An MRI is recommended for high risk patients (not just a regular screening procedure).