Mammography
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Physicians Regional Healthcare System provides helpful services to educate women on breast health, and encourages 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.
Digital Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. Physicians Regional Healthcare System offers digital imaging technology for mammograms. With digital technology, radiologists can zoom in on particular areas or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately. It offers numerous benefits to women, including:
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Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
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Less radiation exposure.
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Greater image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams.
All screening mammograms do not require a physician order. The patient may have a mammogram one year and one day after a previous mammogram per CMS guidelines.
All diagnostic mammograms require a physician order. Results are generally available within 24 hours of service.
3D Mammography
- Allows breast tissue to be viewed in 1-millimeter (1/32 of an inch) sections. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 3D mammography can increase detection of invasive breast cancers by up to 40 percent (over traditional 2D mammography)
- Enhances visibility, which can decrease the need for additional images and reduce “call backs” and anxiety over false alarms
- Is especially helpful for screening dense breasts, since the tissue can be viewed in paper-thin “slices.” 3D technology complements standard 2D mammograms, and the test is performed with the same system.
- There is no additional breast compression required, and it only takes a few more seconds to capture the 3D images compared to the standard 2D images. Very low X-ray energy is used, and radiation exposure is within FDA guidelines.
Stereotactic biopsies
When a lump or abnormal area is detected during screening, a biopsy can determine whether cells are cancerous.
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