The Women’s Center
Dedicated to Women’s Good Health.
Full-Field Digital Mammography
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.
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Breast MRI
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.
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Computer-Aided Detection (CAD)
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.
NDC also uses the Hologic CAD R2 Image Checker, a computer-aided detection system for mammography. R2 Image Checker is the first CAD application designed for full-field digital mammography and assists our physicians by providing a “second read” on every mammogram. R2 Image Checker identifies any areas detected by the computer algorithm that may require further evaluation by our radiologist, thereby significantly improving early detection and survival rates.
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Breast Ultrasound
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.
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Hysterosalpingogram
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.
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Hysterosonogram
A hysterosonogram is used to evaluate abnormalities of the uterus and endometrium, such as polyps, fibroids, cancer or endometrial thickening, that were first identified by pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound.
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Bone Densitometry (DEXA Scan)
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.
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Breast Biopsy Procedures
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, X-ray, and MRI guidance. We use a special vacuum-assisted needle to obtain multiple tissue samples through one small skin incision. Dr. Brousseau is a luminary with Johnson & Johnson and helped develop one of their state-of-the-art biopsy devices.
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Ultrasound-Directed Core Biopsy or Aspiration
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.
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Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
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.
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MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy
Contrast-enhanced MRIs are used to guide the core needle biopsy directly to the sites of abnormal areas not seen on mammography or sonography. The procedure requires only local anesthesia and emits no radiation.
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Scheduling at the Women’s Center
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.
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