The Women's Imaging Center

 Scheduling number (978) 784-9272

The following information is also available as a PDF download.

The Women's Imaging is a full-service radiology suite that provides a calm, reassuring environment for patients. Medical expertise in performing both screening and diagnostic mammograms is only part of what we offer. We have mammography suites, bone densitometry, and ultrasound capabilities. We also offer convenient evening and Saturday hours.

We are a patient-centered facility and are very aware of women's emotional needs and concerns surrounding breast care. We strive to make patients feel comfortable, and are able to maintain a "human touch" without compromising our high technical standards.

Mammography
Breast cancer strikes one in every eight women. Early detection utilizing the newest digital mammography available at Nashoba Valley Medical Center can make a difference in the success of treatment. Digital Mammography is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is viewed and, more importantly, manipulated. The radiologist is able to magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast, and more closely zero in on areas of concern.

Digital Mammography offers patients additional distinct advantages over traditional film-based exams, including enhanced image quality, shorter wait times for results, and reduced radiation exposure. The Women's Imaging Center also now offers a more comfortable mammography experience by incorporating a soft, foam pad that creates a cushion between the patient and the mammography machine. To supplement the digital mammography system is the advancement of Computer-Aided Detection (CAD). This technology provides a "second read" of the mammogram which assists the radiologist in detecting subtle abnormalities such as breast calcifications allowing for early detection of breast cancer.

Nashoba Valley Medical Center's Women's Imaging Center was recently recognized by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. In order to achieve this recognition, the Women's Imaging Center at Nashoba was required to be fully accredited in Mammography, in Stereotactic Breast Biopsy and Breast Ultrasound. Your mammogram is interpreted by board certified physicians who collaborate with your primary care physician, surgeons, and oncologists. At Nashoba Valley Medical Center we take pride in our credentials. All of our registered mammography technologists have taken advanced courses in mammography.

Click here for Mammography Brochure

Bone Densitometry
Osteoporosis is a debilitating bone loss disease that affects millions of women. It is a major health problem with an impact that is expected to reach epidemic proportions as our country's population ages. Annually, 500,000 spine and hip fractures are directly attributed to osteoporosis.

A vital part of our Women's Imaging Center is bone densitometry, a sophisticated procedure used in the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. A bone densitometer uses a radiographic imaging technique that focuses on the bone to measure bone mineral density. It analyzes an individual's measurements based on age, weight, sex, and ethnic background to determine a patient's age-related fracture risk. With a wide spectrum of new treatment options, the information received from this test is essential for instituting early treatment, which can prevent further bone loss.

The exam requires no preparation on your part and takes 15 to 20 minutes. Bone densitometry involves less than one-tenth the dosage of radiation from regular x-rays and is painless.

Click here to print Bone Densitometry / Bone Density Brochure

Ultrasound
Ultrasonography is an integral part of our Women's Imaging Center. It is the technique of using sound waves to create high quality images without the use of radiation. It is probably best known for monitoring the health and well being of babies prior to birth. At Nashoba Valley Medical Center, however, we also use ultrasound as an accompaniment to mammography in the evaluation of the breast. It can differentiate benign, fluid-filled cysts from solid, potentially malignant masses. Having an ultrasound done does not duplicate the information found on a mammogram but is used as a complementary evaluation.

Our ultrasound technology also allows excellent visualization of the uterus and ovaries. Analysis of blood flow with ultrasound is commonly used in evaluating arteriosclerosis, a degenerative disease of the arteries, and can help in characterizing tumors of the breast and ovaries. In the abdominal area, ultrasound is excellent at looking at the gallbladder, liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas.

We have continued to upgrade our ultrasound unit to maintain a state-of-the-art system. Ultrasound scans are performed by registered ultrasound technologists and are interpreted by subspecialty trained radiologists. Our Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology in ultrasound and mammography.

Click here for Pelvic Ultrasound Brochure

Click here for Preparation for Ultrasound Procedure Brochure 

Breast Biopsies
Based on the results of your mammogram, a biopsy may be recommended to make a final diagnosis. Our Women's Imaging Center offers both stereotactic breast biopsies as well as ultrasound guided breast biopsies. Both options are fast, highly exact, and less invasive than having an open surgical biopsy. These procedures, which last less than an hour, allow physicians to examine small samples of breast tissue, which are removed using a hollow needle guided by either digital x-ray imaging and computer coordinates, or ultrasound guidance. Both technologies allow for quick, definitive results, and require minimal time compared to inpatient surgery. Results are available within a few days.

Breast MRI
We are now offering breast MRI as needed in conjunction with mammography exams.

Click here to print Breast MRI Brochure

Core Biopsies
Digital stereotactic breast biopsies are now offered. This test allows physicians to examine small samples of breast tissue, removed via a hollow needle, and guided by x-ray imaging and computer coordinates. This technology allows for quick, definitive results and requires minimal time compared to inpatient surgeries.

Breast Imaging special procedures

• Wire Localization is done when a small abnormal area is found during a mammogram; a wire may be inserted as a guide for the surgeon.
• Aspiration or drainage of cyst or breast abscesses is performed by the radiologist, using ultrasound guidance.
• Core biopsy is a special needle to obtain a small sample of tissue from a particular area with in the breast for histology diagnosis. This can be performed on a special table designed for this purpose, a stereotactic table or with ultrasound guidance.

Click here to print Stereotactic Biopsy Brochure

To Schedule An Appointment To schedule an appointment or if you have questions, call the Women's Imaging Center at 978-784-9272.