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XRCMI is committed
to furthering women's health within our community. We understand
women's special needs and preferences and have dedicated an
area of our Center to specialize in women's services, specifically
mammography and ultrasound.
Mammography, along with breast self-examination,
is the best defense against breast cancer. Early diagnosis
and treatment
saves thousands of women's lives annually. A measure of our
commitment to breast health is demonstrated in that X-ray
Consultants retains two mammography sub-specialists in its
radiology group, Brett A, Stephens, MD, and Linda L. Tuthill,
MD. We also utilize only Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
and American College of Radiology (ACR)-certified, state-of-the-art
equipment. Furthermore, we deploy an R-2 Image Checker, a
computer-assisted diagnosis device as an adjuvant to our radiologists.
Each mammography film is scanned by the R-2 and its report
is reviewed by the radiologist after his or her initial reading,
just to ensure that no area has been overlooked.
Mammography itself is a safe, low-dose x-ray
of the breast(s). There are two kinds of mammograms: screening
and diagnostic. Screening mammograms involve two x-ray views
of each breast. In the event an area of concern is identified,
the patient may be called back for special additional views.
Diagnostic mammograms require more views and are usually indicated
in situations where patients have had prior breast surgery,
implants or fibrocystic disease. In either exam, screening
or diagnostic, the breasts will be temporarily and gently
compressed at the time of the x-ray in order to obtain the
best possible image.
Mammograms are brief; usually no more than
20 minutes in duration and there is no advance preparation
other than to refrain from using any deodorant, powder or
lotion on the breasts or under the arms on the day of your
exam. Patients should also wear a 2-piece outfit so that they
only need to remove their top in the room. Lastly, they should
bring in the name of the facility where your previous mammograms
have been performed, should we need them for comparison.
Stereotactic breast biopsy and needle localizations
are also performed in our Center. Stereotactic biopsies involve
the precise targeting and tissue sampling of suspicious area(s)
of the breast under local anesthesia. In cases where a more
conventional surgical biopsy is to be performed, patients
are sometimes sent to XRCMI prior to the surgery so that the
exact area can be pinpointed and marked with a wire ("needle
localization") to aid the surgeon.
We hope you'll agree that XRCMI is delivering
mammography services in a manner today's women want and expect.
We also think you'll see the influence of the women who were
consulted in the design and décor of our facility.
If you would like more information, or to share your comments
with us, please call us at (574) 243-0100 or to send us an
e-message, simply clickContact
Us.
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