Now when the women of Spokane Valley face breast cancer, they'll have access to one of the newest technologies around. And they won't have to leave town.

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%.  

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.

Ultrasound

It is often routine that when there is something palpable on the breast exam but the mammogram is negative, an ultrasound is performed to look for a cyst. The mammogram cannot pick up cysts very well; it is better at picking up solid lesions like fibroadenomas (benign) or cancers.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of breast tissue and project it onto a computer screen. During the painless procedure, a small pad called a transducer, which sends and receives sound waves, is moved across the breast. The computer then analyzes the sound waves and creates an image of the breast tissue.

Breast ultrasound, also known as sonography or ultrasonography, is frequently used to further evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening or diagnostic mammography or during a physician performed clinical breast exam.

Ultrasound does not duplicate the information found on a mammogram but is used as a complimentary evaluation. It also allows significant freedom in obtaining images of the breast from almost any orientation.

Assessing breast implants for leakage or rupture is another way ultrasound is used. Breast inflammation, where pockets of infection or abscesses may form, can be diagnosed and monitored by ultrasound.

Breast ultrasound is also employed to observe and guide a needle for several interventional procedures. These include cyst aspiration, fine needle aspiration, large core needle biopsy, and needle localization before surgical breast biopsy.

A breast biopsy is the removal of a sample of breast tissue to be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. A breast biopsy is usually done to evaluate a lump found during a breast examination or to study a suspicious area found on mammogram or ultrasound.

While a physical breast exam, mammography, ultrasound and other imaging methods can help detect a breast abnormality, biopsy followed by pathological (microscopic) analysis is the only definitive way to determine if cancer is present.

A breast biopsy can be done in either of two ways:

• Needle aspiration - a needle is inserted into a lump, and fluid and/or tissue is removed for examination
  
• Open biopsy - an incision is made into the breast, and a piece of tissue or the entire lump is removed for examination