Digital Mammograms with MammoPad®

This x-ray is used to help in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Many small tumors can be seen on a mammogram before they can be felt by a woman or her doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends mammograms every year for women beginning at age 40.  Also offered is the MammoPad® breast cushion, a soft foam cushion that provides a softer, more comfortable mammogram. Patients scheduled for mammography are asked not to wear deodorant, powder or perfume on the day of their procedure.  The Selma Carlson Mammography Department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology. 

 

Bone Density

The Dexa Scan (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) machine is used to analyze bone mineral content to help determine a patient’s risk of osteoporosis. The machine works by sending a thin, invisible beam of low-dose x-rays with two distinct energy peaks through the bones being examined. One peak is absorbed mainly by the soft tissue and the other by the bone. The soft tissue amount can be subtracted from the total and what remains is the patient’s bone mineral density.

 

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

After identifying a lump or abnormality in the breast, a small biopsy is often performed to determine a diagnosis. Sometimes the abnormal area in the breast is too small to be felt, making it difficult to locate the lesion by hand. A special mammography machine uses ionizing radiation to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth.

 

Results

The radiologists at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center will interpret your tests and send a detailed report to your physician. Images can also be viewed in real-time in the hospital or in the physician’s own office using Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS). Your physician will advise you on the results and discuss what further procedures or treatment options, if any, are needed.

 

 While the technologist who performs the test can help answers questions about the procedure itself, they cannot discuss results with you.

Pre-Exam Instructions

• Please do not wear deodorant, powder or perfume.
• Bring prior mammograms, if available.
• You may take routine medications on the day of your examination.
• If you have a history of allergic responses to contrast media or iodine, please call (805) 546-7733 for further instructions.
• If you are scheduled for anything other than an ultrasound and you are pregnant, please discuss this with our office staff when making your appointment.
• For Bone Densitometry, please wear clothing without metal or buttons.

Appointments

No appointment is necessary for plain x-rays.

Please schedule Fluoroscopy, Mammography and Ultrasound examinations.

Urgent or emergent cases can always be done on the same day.