What is Full Field Digital Mammography?
Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor, and transmitted and stored just like computer files. From a patient's point of view, having a digital mammogram is very much like having a conventional screen-film mammogram. Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and x-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast.

During all mammography exams, the technologist positions the patient to image the breast from different angles and compresses the breast with a paddle to obtain optimal image quality.

Unlike film-based mammography, digital mammograms produce images that appear on the technologist's monitor in a matter of seconds. There is no waiting for film to develop, which can mean a shorter time spent in the breast imaging suite.

The Benefits of Digital Mammography
Unlike other parts of the body, the breast is composed mainly of soft tissue. When breast tissue is x-rayed, it creates an image that looks something like a smoky haze, making it difficult to see tiny "spots," called microcalcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close-ups of specific areas of interest. Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology.

Another convenience of digital mammography over film-based systems is it can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure. This potentially saves additional time and reduces your exposure to x-rays. Because they are electronic, digital mammography images can be transmitted quickly across a network. Digital images can also be easily stored, copied without any loss of information, and transmitted and received in a more streamlined manner, eliminating dependence on only one set of "original" films.

How do I prepare for a mammogram?
To prepare for the exam:

Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam.
Describe any breast symptoms or problems you may have to the technologist performing the exam.
If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
How is a mammogram conducted?
A specially trained technologist will position your breast on the platform of the mammography unit and compress it with a plastic paddle. Breast compression is necessary to visualize all the breast tissue, enable any abnormalities to be seen and hold the breast still. You will be asked to change positions so that the breast can be viewed from different angles. The process will be repeated for the other breast. The entire exam should take less than 30 minutes.

How do I schedule an appointment?
A physician's order is required to perform a screening mammogram.  Appointments can be scheduled by calling Central Scheduling at 520-469-8810.

How do I get my results?
The results of the mammogram are interpreted by one of our board-certified radiologists accredited in mammography by the American College of Radiology. They also use Computer Aided Detection (CAD) which is like a second set of eyes that looks at your mammogram. The report is sent to your physician who can discuss the results with you.

For additional information, please contact our office at 877-4180.

Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI)
Women in Tucson now have another diagnostic tool available in the fight against breast cancer. Northwest Women's Imaging is the only imaging center in town to offer Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging or BSGI.* BSGI is particularly appropriate when the results of a mammogram are inconclusive and/or the woman has dense breasts, scar tissue from a previous surgery or breast implants that may make it difficult to detect breast abnormalities.

With BSGI, the patient receives a pharmaceutical tracing agent that is absorbed by all the cells in the body. Due to their increased rate of metabolic activity, cancerous cells in the breast absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent than normal, healthy cells and generally appear as "dark spots" on the BSGI image.

The BSGI exam takes about one hour to perform. Because there is only slight compression of the breast and patients are seated throughout the entire procedure, it is much more comfortable than a mammogram. In addition, insurance companies generally cover BSGI.

Radiologist Dr. Gary Wood has focused solely on women's imaging for more than 15 years. As Medical Director at Northwest Women's Imaging, he spearheaded the implementation of the BSGI technology for the center. Dr. Wood has more than three years' experience using BSGI in his previous practice and says, "BSGI is the appropriate next step for a woman with questionable mammography results. No more 'wait and see' for patients. BSGI allows a more accurate determination."

Our staff will work to make your exam as easy as possible and get the results to you and your primary care physician or OB/GYN quickly.

Patients will need a referral from a physician for the BSGI exam. To learn more about BSGI, call Northwest Women's Imaging at 877-4190.

Breast MRI
What is Breast MRI?
Breast MRI is another tool (in addition to mammography, ultrasound and Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging) that is used to diagnose breast cancer. Breast MRI should not replace mammography, but may be used in addition to a mammogram and ultrasound to determine the stage of the cancer and identify any other breast lesions.

MRI uses magnetic imaging without exposing the woman to radiation. It allows the radiologist to view soft tissue, bone and other structures in the body and guide treatment options based on the findings.

Candidates for Breast MRI

• Women with a new diagnosis of breast cancer to evaluate the extent of disease and rule out other lesions
  
• Women at high risk for breast cancer (>25% lifetime risk)
  
• Women receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy to determine response
  
• Women previously treated for breast cancer to distinguish scar from recurrence

Breast MRIs are read by Dr. Gary Wood who has specialized in women's imaging for the past 15 years. He directs a cutting-edge practice with continued advanced education and new technology. He will take the time to talk to you about your options, recommend a specialist if necessary, and will be there to answer your questions.

 To schedule a Breast MRI, call 469-8961. You must have a physician's order to schedule this procedure.

Ultrasound
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of breast, abdomen, pelvis, kidney, thyroid, and abdominal aorta. Ultrasound is also used to do cyst aspirations. Obstetric ultrasound is used to determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her fetus.

How is an ultrasound conducted?
During and ultrasound, you are usually positioned on an examination table and clear gel is applied to the body part that will be examined. A transducer that produces sound waves is placed firmly on the skin and moved back and forth. The sounds waves produced by the transducer flow freely through the gel and bounce back to the transducer. As the sound waves echo back to the transducer it records the strength and character of the reflected waves to create images of the organs. The examination usually takes less than 30 minutes.

How do I schedule an appointment?
A physician's order is required to perform an ultrasound scan. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Central Scheduling at 520-469-8810.

How do I get my results?
Ultrasounds are read by Dr. Gary Wood who has specialized in women's imaging for the past 15 years. He directs a cutting-edge practice with continued advanced education and new technology. He will take the time to talk to you about your options, recommend a specialist if necessary, and will be there to answer your questions.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
This minimally invasive procedure helps pinpoint areas of concern in the breast. Tissue samples can be withdrawn with a needle for a biopsy. This procedure is appropriate when an abnormality is seen on the mammogram but is undetectable by touch.

How is the procedure conducted?
The procedure is conducted under local anesthesia and takes approximately on hour. You are awake during the procedure. Two or three images are taken and a small needle is inserted to take the tissue sample. You should experience little to no pain during the procedure, and can take over-the-counter pain medication if you need it following the procedure. There is no "recovery time" needed from this procedure.

Stereotactic breast biopsies are either ultrasound-guided or mammography-guided. Your radiologist will determine which option is appropriate for you.

How do I get my results?
Once the pathologist has determined the results of your biopsy, radiologist Dr. Gary Wood will communicate them to you. Typically, this will occur within three days of the biopsy.

Bone Mineral Density (or DEXA) Test
The DEXA test determines the density of your bones and your risk for fractures due to osteoporosis. Bone density is typically measured in the spine, hip, wrist or total body-areas most common for fractures from osteoporosis.

How is a DEXA scan conducted?
DEXA is a non-invasive and painless scan that measures bone density with only minor exposure to radiation. You simply lie on the exam table while the x-ray above you scans your body. The test takes less than 10 minutes.

How do I get my results?
Your results will be sent to your Primary Care Physician who will contact you with the results.