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The Women’s Imaging Department allows all of your tests to be performed within the Comprehensive Breast Care Center. The Department centralizes many of the diagnostic services offered by the clinic for women and incorporates the latest technology in testing procedures. Patients can have tests done on new digital mammography equipment and a new stereotactic biopsy system for early detection of breast cancer, or they can screen for the presence of osteoporosis with the new digital bone density testing equipment.

Digital Mammography Equipment

Traditional mammograms, which use x-rays, have been replaced at The Jackson Clinic with digital mammography equipment. Digital mammograms take digital images of the breast, allowing doctors to magnify and change the contrast of an image, resulting in improved chances of detecting breast cancer early. The digital technology also allows the mammographers to quickly see the quality of the image and redo it if need be. The Jackson Clinic’s mammography staff is accredited through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Stereotactic Biopsy System

Should a mammogram show a suspicious lump, the next step is a biopsy. The stereotactic biopsy is the most comfortable and least invasive way to have a breast biopsy. A stereotactic biopsy uses a computer-guided needle to take a pinpoint sampling of tissue with the help of a digital image of the breast. In the past, patients underwent a two to four hour surgery for a biopsy, which required stitches and often caused scarring. The stereotactic biopsy system requires no stitches, leaves no scarring and only takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

Digital Bone Density Equipment

Bone density tests help doctors to diagnose the presence or risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is caused when bones become thin and brittle, which increases the risk of a fracture. Many patients do not realize that they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. The earlier osteoporosis is found, the more likely future fractures can be prevented. With this in mind, getting a bone density test is now easier than ever with the new DEXA bone density equipment. DEXA, or Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, uses low energy x-rays to measure the density of bones, muscle and body fat. The procedure is quick, painless and highly accurate. It scans the spine and hips because the bone density there is indicative of bone density elsewhere in the body.