Breast Imaging Options
WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital offers a number of technically advanced imaging options for breast health screenings and diagnosis.
Digital Mammography
Mammography currently is the single most accurate method of detecting breast cancer in its early stages. That’s when breast cancer is most curable. To help women and their doctors discover breast cancer as early as possible, WellSpan Center for Breast Health offers both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) mammography.
Genius™ 3D Mammography™
Having a Genius™ 3D mammography™ exam is very similar to having a traditional 2D mammogram. A technologist positions the patient and uses compression to obtain the necessary images from different angles. The compression level is the same, but each image takes just a few seconds longer.
The Benefits of 3D Mammography
There are many advantages to 3D mammography:
- It produces clear, high resolution images that radiologists can read one layer at a time, much like reading a book.
- Instead of appearing as a single, flat image, the tiny details of lumps or other distortions are more visible.
- Because details that can show the presence of cancer or precancerous cells are no longer hidden by tissue above and below them, a radiologist reading the mammogram has a more accurate view.
- Several large studies have shown that Genius™ 3D Mammography™ detects 41% more of invasive breast cancers.
- With 3D mammography, you’re also 40% less likely to have to return for additional views.
Who Should Have a Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam?
All women who would be undergoing a standard screening or diagnostic mammogram are able to have 3D mammography. And, for women who have dense breast tissue, this technology – combined with 3D ultrasound – will detect cancers that standard mammography alone cannot identify.
Breast MRI
A breast MRI does not take the place of an annual mammogram. It is an additional diagnostic tool that can be used for:
- high risk patients
- patients with abnormal mammograms
- patients with suspected breast implant leaks
- patients requiring additional evaluation
You will need a referral from your doctor before having a breast MRI.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to see soft tissues inside the body. Ultrasound uses no radiation. Instead, it uses high-frequency sounds that travel into the body and send back echoes that form a picture. At WellSpan Center for Breast Health, a caring ultrasound technician will perform your procedure in a relaxing environment.
Reasons Your Doctor May Order a Breast Ultrasound
Your doctor may order a breast ultrasound if:
- you have dense breasts
- are pregnant and need a breast exam
- have a cyst or other breast lump
- have a mammogram where the results are not clear
Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)
At WellSpan Center for Breast Health, we offer the somo∙v™ ABUS Platinum ultrasound system.
This system offers state-of-the-art, three-dimensional, whole-breast imaging. It’s designed specifically for patients who have dense breast tissue. It doesn’t replace, but works along with, mammography. Mammography is still the only method of detecting breast cancers that are associated with calcifications (small calcium deposits).
Studies show that automated breast ultrasound is clinically proven to increase cancer detection by 35.7% over mammography alone for women who have dense breast tissue.
Why May I Need Both a Mammogram and an Ultrasound?
There are times when breast ultrasound is used along with mammography to gather more information about potential or known breast issues. These conditions may include:
- cysts
- fibroadenomas (non-cancerous tumors)
- hematomas (a solid swelling caused by clotted blood)
- breast cancers
Although a mammogram can show an area of change, ultrasound images can offer important additional information to help doctors determine the best type of follow-up care.
Mammography hours:
Monday and Tuesday 7 am – 5 pm
Wednesday – Friday 7 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday appointments are also available.
- Call us: 570-522-4200
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