WOMEN'S STUDIES

DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY
Digital Mammography is the evolution in mammography. A digital mammogram offers superior images and provides the radiologist with state of the art viewing capabilities. This way we can insure conclusive reports for both screening and diagnostic mammography. A screening mammogram consists of two views of each breast. Diagnostic mammograms are specialized mammograms designed to view a specific spot on the breast.

The radiologist would normally recommend a Diagnostic Mammogram is something appears on a screening. A "spot compression magnification" view is typically what is required for a diagnostic mammogram. This is a magnified view of a particular area of the breast.

BREAST ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate a picture of the breast tissue. No compression is necessary. Ultrasound is particularly useful in telling cysts from solid masses in the breast. Cysts are very common and totally benign; about half of all women have some cysts in their breasts at some point. Ultrasound is also very helpful in characterizing masses and lumps.

MRI OF THE BREAST
Breast MRI is a technique using a very strong magnetic and radio waves to pick up signals from the breast tissue. The primary way that abnormal tissue stands out on MRI is because it gets more blood flow than the remaining tissue. We can detect blood flow by taking images before and after infusion of an intravenous substance (gadolinium) that is easily seen on MRI. Breast MRI is most useful in detecting breast cancer and evaluating the integrity of implants, and are the subject of many studies around the country.

BONE DENSITY (DEXA)
Bone density scanning is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. Bone Density is today’s established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). It is essential in detecting and monitoring osteoporosis.