Women’s Imaging Center

Valley Hospital’s Center for Women’s Imaging offers the latest technologies including digital mammograms and breast ultrasound.

Statistics demonstrate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 97%.  

The Valley Hospital’s Center for Women’s Imaging is committed to the fight against breast cancer. If you would like to schedule a mammogram, please call Centralized Scheduling at 473-7777.  If you have questions about the Center for Women’s Imaging, please contact 473-5455.  More about breast cancer.

Some of our diagnostic imaging services

• Angiography
• Chest X ray (and other X rays)
• Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan
• Echocardiogram
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Digital Mammography
• Nuclear Heart Scan
• Nuclear Medicine Studies
• Thallium Stress Test
• Ultrasound

Angiography (or arteriography) is a procedure to x-ray blood vessels. Coronary angiography is a test used to explore the coronary arteries. A fine tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and maneuvered into a coronary artery. Once the tube is has reached the heart, dye is injected. The heart and blood vessels are then filmed while the heart pumps. The picture, called an angiogram or arteriogram, will show concerns such as a blockage caused by heart disease or other problems.

A chest x-ray takes a picture of your heart and lungs. Usually two views are taken - one from the front and one from the side. It can be used in the diagnosis of a variety of heart and lung conditions.

Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan
This procedure (also called computerized axial tomography, CT scan or CAT scan) uses x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional or three-dimensional images of the body or head. It can assist in the diagnosis of different cancers, stroke or brain injury.

This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart. The picture is more detailed than an x-ray image. This test can be used in the diagnosis of a number of heart conditions including valve disorders, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and heart attack.

This a type of imaging involving the use of magnetic fields to look inside the body and head to detect subtle changes in the water content of tissues. MRI can be used in the diagnosis of cancer, as well as to identify damage from a heart attack, diagnose certain congenital heart defects, evaluate blood vessel problems, and aid in the evaluation of stroke damage. It is extremely important that you let your doctor and technician know if you have any metal in your body, which could make MRI not an option to you. Tooth fillings are okay, but pacers, shrapnel and IUDs are not. Ask if you have questions. 

Digital mammography provides patients with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer.  From the patient’s point of view, a digital mammogram is like traditional film screen mammography. Both use x-ray to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert x-ray energy into a digital image. The resulting digital images are immediately available to the radiologist for diagnosis. The radiologist can view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. They can also adjust brightness and contrast, and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses, and other changes that may be signs of early cancer.

Because there is no waiting for film to be developed, digital mammography can significantly reduce the time patients spend in the breast center, as well as reduce the need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure.

Statistics demonstrate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 97%.  

The Valley Hospital’s Center for Women’s Imaging is committed to the fight against breast cancer. If you would like to schedule a mammogram, please call Centralized Scheduling at 473-7777.  If you have questions about the Center for Women’s Imaging, please contact 473-5455.

Nuclear Medicine Studies

Ultrasonography