Women’s Imaging

Annual screening mammography remains the only scientifically proven lifesaving imaging modality for the detection of breast cancer, with reduction in breast cancer mortality up to 40%. At NDC Women’s Health Center, we perform full-field digital mammography (FFDM) studies, which decrease radiation exposure by up to 35%. Digital mammography provides immediate images without film and enhances the ability to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. For example, it gives our physicians the ability to zoom in and out, change contrast and more to help pinpoint abnormalities that might not otherwise be seen, including those that are very small. In addition, the use of FFDM often results in the reduction of retakes.

High-resolution breast MRI is a powerful imaging modality used in conjunction with mammography. Breast MRI is predominantly reserved for high-risk patients or as a more definitive dense breast tissue diagnostic tool. It is used for patients with known breast cancer, a breast cancer gene, a high-risk lesion, or prior biopsy. Identification of cancer hinges on the fact that malignant tissue shows greater blood flow than surrounding normal breast tissue. Therefore, cancer obscured by dense breast tissue on a mammogram may often appear obvious on MRI. Breast MRI is considered the “gold standard” for evaluation of breast implant rupture.

For greater accuracy and more efficiency, NDC offers state-of-the-art Confirma™ CADstream™, a proven computer-aided detection system for breast MRI. Confirma™ CADstream™ helps improve quality, standardization and efficiency of study analyses, reporting, and interventional planning. This revolutionary system automates image-processing functions and corrects for patient movement while the study is taking place. This significantly reduces interpretation time, enhances diagnostic capabilities, and allows for faster interpretation of breast MRI studies.

High-resolution breast ultrasound is used to provide a more definitive diagnosis in conjunction with mammography. Sonography is directed to areas of mammographic abnormality or symptomatic areas of the breast. Ultrasound is also used to differentiate cysts from solid masses and can be used to guide breast biopsies. Plus, breast ultrasound is often used in place of mammography for women who are pregnant or under the traditional screening age to minimize exposure to radiation.

This exam is performed to examine the endometrial cavity and fallopian tubes. It may help identify the reason for infertility, such as obstructed fallopian tubes from pelvic inflammatory disease or surgery.

The “gold standard” in densitometry, DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans accurately measure bone density. DEXA scans are used to diagnose osteoporosis before fractures occur, predict the chances of future bone fractures, determine the rate of bone loss, and monitor the effects of bone replacement therapy.

In many cases, it is not possible to tell from imaging studies alone whether a lesion is benign or malignant. It may be necessary to obtain a tissue sample. As an alternative to open surgical biopsy, The Women’s Center offers several minimally invasive breast biopsy procedures performed with ultrasound, and X-ray. We use a special vacuum-assisted needle to obtain multiple tissue samples through one small skin incision.

Ultrasound is used to direct core needle biopsy of a solid lesion or aspiration of a cyst. Procedures performed under ultrasound guidance require only local anesthesia and no radiation.

Mammographic digital images are obtained to guide core needle biopsy. This technique is most frequently used for biopsy of calcifications or lesions that are apparent on mammogram, but not ultrasound. The procedure requires local anesthesia and only low-dose radiation.

The Women’s Center at NDC is committed to providing you with care that is compassionate, comprehensive and efficient. For more information about our women’s imaging capabilities, please call our scheduling center at (949) 467-3100.