Breast Imaging

---

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Merit Health Woman's Hospital provides helpful services to educate women on breast health, and encourage self-exams and routine screenings. We utilize imaging technology that may detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective. The combination of caring technologists and imaging technology allows us to deliver quality care.

The Imaging Department at Merit Health Woman's Hospital is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in all of the College’s voluntary breast-imaging accreditation programs in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program. The breast imaging services at Merit Health Woman's Hospital Breast Imaging Center are fully accredited in:

• Mammography
• Stereotactic breast biopsy
• Breast ultrasound
• Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy

ACR evaluations conducted by experts in the field have determined that this facility has achieved high practice standards in:

• Image quality
• Personnel qualifications
• Facility equipment
• Quality control procedures
• Quality assurance programs

3D Imaging

Merit Health Woman's Hospital has installed a new 3D specimen tomosynthesis imaging system to help breast cancer surgeons better visualize tumors during lumpectomy procedures. The system has been shown to dramatically improve surgeons’ and facilities’ re-excision rate, the rate at which second surgeries need to be performed following a lumpectomy due to lingering cancer cells.

The new system also saves time in the operating room, because the surgeon does not have to wait while a specimen is taken to a separate radiology area for analysis. Studies show that using this system during surgery can reduce a lumpectomy procedure by as much as 15 minutes, which for a patient means less time under anesthesia. For more information on this 3D imaging system, please call (601) 933-6132.

Digital Mammography

Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. Merit Health Woman's Hospital offers digital imaging technology for mammograms. With digital technology, radiologists can zoom in on particular areas or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately. It offers numerous benefits to women, including:

• Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
• Less radiation exposure.
• Greater image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate an abnormality found during a mammogram. Ultrasound allows doctors to see the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see using mammography. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass.

Stereotactic Biopsies

When a lump or abnormal area is detected during screening, a biopsy can determine whether cells are cancerous. Advanced imaging technology- such as mammography or ultrasound- can be combined with minimally invasive techniques to obtain tissue samples. Merit Health Woman's Hospital offers digital stereotactic biopsies, and women can choose to be seated or lying down during the procedure for maximum comfort.

To schedule a mammogram or other screening exam, please call (601) 932-1000.