Outpatient Imaging Center
While most women have heard the message that early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer, many still put off having regular mammograms.
In an easily accessible and private environment, the Women’s Center offers diagnostic and screening mammograms, breast ultrasounds and bone density studies. This includes new digital mammography technology that is faster and more comfortable and provides physicians with highly detailed images to assist in diagnosis.
Breast and Bone Health Center Special Features
- Accredited by the American College of Radiology
- Certified by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA)
Mammography
The Center’s state-of-the-art mammography system uses low-level X-rays to locate breast lumps and abnormalities long before they can be felt by breast self-exam. A soft foam radiolucent cushion is used for a less painful, more comfortable and warmer mammogram.
Digital Mammography
A recent government study determined digital mammography to be better than traditional methods for detecting breast cancer in younger women. Available at Northeast, digital mammography has been used to diagnose cancer more often than standard mammograms in premenopausal women, those younger than 50 and those with dense breast tissue. The American Cancer Society recommends that women in these categories seek digital mammograms where available.
Digital mammograms offer significant advantages. Images are available immediately, and can be enhanced, stored digitally and transmitted instantaneously to a physician’s office or other facilities. These images are more detailed and can be acquired more quickly, reducing testing time.
Digital mammograms at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital are reviewed by a radiologist and screened using computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) software. CAD alerts radiologists to take a closer look at areas that may be abnormal.
Breast Ultrasound
Using high-frequency sound waves, breast ultrasound can determine whether a lesion is a solid tumor or a fluid-filled cyst. It is especially useful in evaluating suspicious areas in the denser breast tissue of younger women.
Breast Ultrasound-Guided Needle Biopsy
This technique may also be used to obtain tissue samples from areas where masses are seen in ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to guide the needle for increased precision in removing the tissue sample.
Breast Ductogram
This procedure can pinpoint defects in breast ducts. A contrast agent is introduced into the duct to expose possible defects when the breast is X-rayed.
Breast MRI
This non-invasive procedure is most commonly used for additional screening in high-risk women when the findings of a mammogram are inconclusive or to determine the extent of the disease in newly diagnosed breast cancer.
Computer-Aided Detection (CAD)
Each mammogram is also reviewed by a computer designed to search for abnormalities. CAD technology acts as a second pair of eyes, reviewing mammogram film after the radiologist has already made an initial interpretation.
Bone Health Services Provided
Bone Densitometry
This procedure measures bone mineral density to identify bone strength and weakness. This information is a useful diagnostic tool in diagnosing osteoporosis.
Hours
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
To make an appointment, call 281-540-7995.