Diagnostic Imaging – Breast

Our Diagnostic & Wellness Center for Women encourages women to take a proactive approach to their breast health. We offer state-of-the-art technology along with a network of highly qualified experts to ensure accurate screening and diagnostic breast imaging in a comfortable and tranquil setting.

We encourage women to follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for detection (see below). We also stress the importance of monthly breast self-examinations.

Digital Mammography

Our Diagnostic & Wellness Center uses advanced digital mammography equipment that is safe and utilizes low-dose radiation to produce high-quality images.

In digital mammography, an image is captured using a specially designed digital detector. The detector electronically sends the converted X-ray information to a computer. The radiologist can then review the digital mammogram on a high-resolution computer monitor.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

The use of ultrasound is an excellent supplemental tool for evaluating breast abnormalities after a mammogram. Ultrasound plays a vital role in the evaluation of signs and symptoms of a breast lump or other problem discovered by you or your healthcare provider.

Stereotactic Needle Biopsy and Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy

Stereotactic and ultrasound-guided biopsies are sophisticated, nonsurgical procedures that are performed by one of our board-certified radiologists with the assistance of our highly trained technologists. These procedures sample suspicious breast tissue with pinpoint accuracy to determine if cancer cells are present.

Breast MRI

Pacific Medical Centers offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at our Beacon Hill location. Breast MRI is a radiation-free procedure that uses a magnetic field and results in hundreds of high-resolution, cross-sectional images. Breast MRI may be recommended to identify breast cancer not detected through other means. Breast MRI is an excellent tool used for women who are at high risk for breast cancer. It is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound, but rather a supplemental tool.

We have also been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. We encourage all women to follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for early detection and to talk to your doctor about the best screening program for you.

• Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
• Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
• Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
• Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer.

Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a health care provider right away.

Women who are at higher risk for breast cancer, should have a screening every year. When to start screening is based on your personal risk factors. Women may be at a higher risk for breast cancer when there is a family history of breast cancer, previous breast biopsy with abnormal cells, and or have dense breasts.

Talk with a health care provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you.

These guidelines are adapted from the American Cancer Society (ACS).

You can now schedule your mammogram online with MyChart.

Meet our team of experienced radiologists.

Radiology: MRI, CT and Ultrasound

PacMed provides MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) and ultrasound services in partnership with Inland Imaging, located at our Beacon Hill clinic.  Learn more about our Inland Pacific Imaging radiologists.

Radiology: Safety

If you’re concerned about the radiation from medical tests you can get more information at RadiologyInfo.org