Digital Mammography

JCMH is dedicated to your breast health. We strive to show compassion and hope to assist you with your breast imaging needs and to allow you the best possible prognosis by detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages. To learn more, or to arrange for an appointment for a breast imaging procedure, please call 580-379-5100.

JCMH is one of the first women’s centers  in the United States to offer breast cancer screening with a Selenia® Dimensions® 2D full field digital mammography system. Selenia Dimensions 2D is the latest generation of mammography equipment from Hologic, the women’s healthcare company. 

The Selenia Dimensions 2D system offers incredibly sharp breast images, an advanced ergonomic design providing more patient comfort, and a flexible platform that is designed to support advanced mammography applications. And the Selenia Dimensions 2D system can be configured for 3D breast imaging when and if breast tomosynthesis is approved by the FDA.

Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography in the way the image of the breast is acquired and, more importantly, viewed. The radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the images. These features make it easier for the radiologist to evaluate microcalcifications and focus on areas of concern.  Digital mammography is revolutionizing the practice of mammography through its ability to yield high quality images at low radiation dose.

Computer-aided detection (CAD) technology is a recent advance in the field of breast imaging. The CAD technology basically works like a second pair of eyes, reviewing a patient’s mammogram film after the radiologist has already made an initial interpretation. If the computer software detects any breast abnormalities or “regions of interest” on the mammogram film, it marks them. 

Women’s Imaging is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Early detection of breast cancer for you is our goal. Our mammography technologists make every effort to minimize your discomfort and inconvenience. We offer female technologists and Board Certified Radiologists. Our experienced staff provides patients with compassionate care in a warm, friendly environment.

WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING PLAN FOR WOMEN WITHOUT SYMPTOMS:

For early detection of breast cancer, regular screening mammograms for women over the age of 40 still remain the best option. A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray that can detect irregularities in the breast, sometimes even before you or your doctor can feel a lump.

Screening Mammography

A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have NO signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. With a mammogram, it is possible to detect microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast, which sometimes are a clue to the presence of breast cancer) or a tumor that cannot be felt. You may schedule a screening exam yourself.

Diagnostic Mammography

A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is used to diagnose unusual breast changes such as a lump, pain, thickening, nipple discharge or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram is also used to evaluate changes detected on a screening mammogram. The technician may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Generally, your films are reviewed while you are here and, if further evaluation with ultrasound is necessary; we make every attempt to have your exam completed the same day.

Preparing for your Mammogram

It is best to schedule your mammogram when your breasts will be least tender.  If you have sensitive breasts, try having your mammogram at a time of month: usually 10 days from the start of your menstrual cycle. Try to avoid the week right before your period – this will help lessen discomfort. If you are worried about discomfort, you may want to take a mild over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before the mammogram.

On the day of your mammogram:

Requesting Films and Reports

Your prior mammogram films and reports are needed for comparison. If your prior mammogram was not performed at Women’s Imaging, you will need to make arrangements to obtain your films and reports. Your mammography films are important for comparison to identify any changes in your breast tissue. If your prior films are not available at the time your mammogram is performed the interpretation of your films may be delayed or you may be required to return for additional tests.

We strongly recommend that you personally pick up your films/reports from the facility where your last mammogram was performed. If this is not possible, please call the facility as soon as possible and arrange to have your films/reports mailed directly to:
 
JCMH WOMEN’S IMAGING
1200 E Pecan
Altus OK 73521
580-379-6050

If you need to have your films sent to us from another facility, please print this form:  Request Mammography Films. Please allow at least two weeks before you schedule your appointment to be certain that we receive your prior films before your visit.

If you need to obtain your previous films from JCMH for your new facility, you may print this form: Send Mammography Films, and fax or mail it to us.  Films will be sent within 48hrs.

Your doctor or other healthcare provider should examine your breasts as part of your regular physical examination. Monthly breast self-examination is also extremely important.  

To learn more, or to arrange for an appointment for a breast imaging procedure, please call 580-379-5100.

Ultrasounds (Breast, Obstetrics and Babygram)

Ultrasound has been used in medicine since the early 1950s, but has been continually improved with new technology. Medical ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves which are considered painless and harmless to both mother and fetus.  Ultrasound examinations are performed for a variety of reasons. 

Breast Ultrasounds

Ultrasound, also called sonography, is an imaging technique in which high-frequency sound waves that cannot be heard by humans are bounced off tissues and internal organs. Their echoes produce a picture called a sonogram. Ultrasound imaging of the breast is used to distinguish between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts. It is also used to characterize the nature of solid masses. Ultrasound can also be used to evaluate lumps that are hard to see on a mammogram. Ultrasound is often used as part of other diagnostic procedures, such as needle biopsy or aspiration.

Ultrasound is not a substitute for routine breast cancer screening with mammography because it does not consistently detect certain early signs of cancer such as microcalcifications. Microcalcifications are tiny deposits of calcium in the breast that cannot be felt but can be seen on a conventional mammogram.  Ultrasound is only a diagnostic tool used to compliment a finding on a mammogram or to image a palpable lump or mass on a patient under the age of 30.

Obstetrical (OB) Ultrasounds

Obstetrical ultrasounds have become useful in many ways.  Its routine use is necessary to provide you with the best prenatal care. Most commonly, ultrasound examinations are done during pregnancy to help your doctor determine when your baby is due and to make sure the baby is developing as he/she should. The examination consists of placing a special gel on the mother’s abdomen and then moving a transducer (sound-emitting instrument) across it. The returning echoes are electrically converted to a picture on a screen which can then be photographed.  Actual fetal movements can be seen.

A routine exam usually shows: 

If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please ask your provider.

The technologist may or may not be able to determine the baby’s gender and accuracy is not 100%. 
Don’t forget, a full bladder is required for the examination.

Babygram

A Babygram is an ultrasound of your unborn baby done between 20 and 30 weeks of gestation.  This can let you know the sex of the baby as well as give you images to take home and a CD (disk) of the new addition to your family.  
You can schedule your own appointment at 580-379-5100.  The charge of $120.75 is due at the time of exam. 

DEXA – Bone Density and Body Composition Scanning (Body Fat Test) 

What is a DEXA Bone Density Scan?

Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, DEXA is the most accurate and advanced test available for measuring bone density (strength) and is considered today’s established standard for bone mineral density (BMD).  A DEXA scan measures bone density by using an enhanced form of x-ray scanning technology.  The effective radiation dose from this procedure is about 0.01 mSv.  This is about the same as the average person receives from background radiation each day.  DEXA scanning can identify low bone density in patients at an early stage, enabling doctors to prescribe appropriate treatment before the condition worsens. Images of the lower spine and hips are most often used in checking for osteoporosis. The test results are then read thoroughly and interpreted by the radiologist.

Bone density tests are a quick and painless procedure.  You will be asked to lie on your back on a padded table while a movable arm passes over your body.  A technician will remain with you and you will feel no sensations from the exam, which typically takes about 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

Is there any preparation?

There is no special preparation.  Wear comfortable clothing that has no metal zippers or buttons in the abdominal or pelvic areas.   You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that will help us determine if you have medical conditions or take certain medications that either increase or decrease your risk of a fracture.

Are you at risk for osteoporosis?

While the disease affects both men and women, 80% of those affected are women. In fact, 22 million American women are affected by osteoporosis. Women have a higher risk for osteoporosis than men because women often have smaller, thinner frames. In addition, menopause causes women to produce less estrogen, a hormone that helps protect them against bone loss; 20% of bone mass can be lost in the 5-7 years following menopause.

If you’re nearing menopause, your doctor or healthcare professional can give you good advice to help you avoid future problems with osteoporosis. If you are post-menopausal, stay in touch with your doctor to monitor your bone health on a regular basis. If you don’t know if you have osteoporosis, ask whether a bone density test is right for you. Your doctor will need to refer you for this exam. For your convenience, Bone Density exams can be scheduled along with your mammogram appointment at 580-379-5100.

Factors that may add to the risk of osteoporosis include:

Facts:

DXA BODY COMPOSITION / BODY FAT TEST
The measurement of body fat is more accurate than body weight for assessing health. A person can have a lot of muscle, but be considered “over-weight” by many height/weight charts. The opposite can also be true – a person can have a lot of fat and little muscle and be “over-fat” but not overweight.

Reasons for Having a DXA Body Composition Analysis

By knowing your body fat percentage, and the range it falls in, you can take measures to improve your health and reduce your risk for various diseases.

The following chart shows the classification of body fat percentage ranges for each gender.

GENDER	NORMAL	OVERWEIGHT	OBESE
Adult Male	4-25%	25-30%	>30%
Adult Female	12-29%	29-35%	>35%

Insurance Coverage

DXA body composition analysis is not usually reimbursed by your insurance company. Payment will normally be an out-of-pocket expense unless you have an insurance approved medical necessity for monitoring your exact body composition