Description of Services
3D Digital Mammography with Computer Aided Detection (CAD)
Mammography plays a critical role in the early detection of breast cancer. Medical organizations, including The American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Radiology, recommend an annual screening mammography for women beginning at age 40. Many women also get a baseline mammogram study at age 35.
Routine screening mammography is performed to detect unsuspected breast cancer, at an early stage, in asymptomatic women (no breast complaints). Diagnostic mammography is performed when there are symptoms of breast disease or if a question is raised by a screening mammogram.
Complete Women’s Imaging offers state of the art digital mammography for both screening and diagnosis. Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography. The image of the breast is obtained by utilizing digital imaging techniques rather than film. The added abilities of this system substantially assist the radiologist’s ability to evaluate the breast. The digital mammography equipment decreases radiation exposure by about one third as compared to non-digital (film) mammography. Also, in patients with dense breast tissue, digital mammography has been shown to increase the breast cancer detection rate. This increased rate of detection is especially found in younger women.
Overall, in conjunction with the Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) System, digital mammography has been shown to increase breast cancer detection rates by 15 percent.
Outside referral relationship for breast MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Breast MRI uses magnetism and radio waves to detect cancers that may not be identified on mammography or ultrasound. Breast MRI is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation or x-rays. Breast MRI is not a replacement for annual mammography or ultrasound imaging but rather a supplemental tool for detecting breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.
Breast MRI may be recommended as a screening or diagnostic exam. Screening breast MRI may be recommended to patients, in addition to screening mammography, based on American Cancer Society guidelines using the patient’s family history and personal history. Here at Complete Women’s Imaging, PC, once a family history has been identified, a risk assessment is conducted to determine the patient’s personal risk for breast cancer. For patients who are found to have a significantly increased risk, screening breast MRI may be recommended. For a patient who presents with a predetermined genetic risk for breast cancer (positive BRCA gene), screening MRI may also be recommended.
Diagnostic breast MRI may be used to further evaluate abnormalities found on other imaging modalities such as mammography and breast ultrasound. MRI is also utilized when a breast cancer has been detected to determine the extent of the disease and to aid in the planning for surgery and treatment.
High Definition Breast Ultrasound
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Breast ultrasound (also called breast sonography), is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. NO ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging and it is safe for use even on pregnant women. Ultrasound is one of the most widely used diagnostic procedures available. It provides a safe, non-invasive and virtually painless means of examining many of the body's internal organs. Breast ultrasound is extremely valuable in determining the nature of a lump or mass. Breast ultrasound is also utilized as a survey technique in order to further screen women with dense breasts who are at high risk for breast cancer.
Studies have shown that breast ultrasound can detect additional breast cancers, that mammography would otherwise miss, in high risk patients with dense breasts. Therefore, adding breast ultrasound to digital mammography greatly increases the early detection rate.
Complete Ultrasound Services
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Complete Women’s Imaging is proud to offer complete ultrasound services including: OB/GYN (Pelvic, Transvaginal, Hysterosonography, and All Level Pregnancy Ultrasound), Abdominal, Renal, Thyroid, Carotid Doppler, Deep Vein Thrombosis Studies, and Testicular Sonography.
Ultrasound imaging is based on the same principles used in sonar; when a sound wave strikes an object, it bounces back, or echoes. By measuring these echo waves, it is possible to determine the size, shape, and consistency (solid or filled with fluid) of an object.
Ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and especially useful to build a diagnosis and suggest a next course of action.
Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Biopsy and Aspiration
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Complete Women’s Imaging offers a full range of image-guided biopsy services including Ultrasound, and Stereotactic in the comfort of our offices.
Utilizing the appropriate imaging modality, tissue samples are obtained with minimal discomfort. Expert pathology specialists evaluate the material in a timely manner and the results are discussed with the patient by our own team of doctors. This represents a partnership between the clinician, the radiologist and the patient.
As needed, procedures are performed for breast, thyroid and other organs.
Image Guided Localization
Prior to surgery image guided fine needle wire localizations are performed, in the comfort of our offices, to guide and localize the appropriate area. The patient is then escorted to the ambulatory setting where their surgery will be performed.
