Breast Imaging
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center provides helpful services to educate women on breast health and diseases, breast cancer risk factors, cancer and disease prevention and what could be a symptom of breast cancer. The mammographers with PBRMC's Bluff Imaging & Women's Center encourage self-exams and routine screenings to check for cancer. The team at both Bluff Imaging & Women's Center and Danny Bell Cancer Center utilize imaging technology to help detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when a treatment plan can be most effective.
Digital Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center offers digital imaging technology for mammograms. With digital technology, radiologists can zoom in on particular areas or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately. Benefits of a digital mammogram may include:
-
Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
-
Less radiation exposure.
-
Superior image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams and being able to begin cancer treatment quicker, if necessary.
Breast MRI
Along with mammography, breast MRI can be an effective diagnostic tool. MRI is a breast cancer screening often used for women who are at greater risk of developing cancer or who have dense breast tissue or implants — cases in which mammography is less effective at detecting abnormalities. This technique offers a more comfortable experience for women, and is used to:
-
Assess the extent of breast cancer.
-
Determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation therapy during breast cancer treatment.
-
Further evaluate abnormalities that were found during a mammogram or clinical exam.
-
Provide additional detail for treatment planning.
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate and diagnose an abnormality found during a mammogram. Ultrasound allows doctors to see the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see using mammography or other breast imaging. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass and could be evidence of breast cancer.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
When a lump or abnormal area is detected during screening, a biopsy can determine whether cells are cancerous. Advanced imaging technology — such as MRI, mammography or ultrasound— can be combined with minimally invasive techniques to obtain tissue samples in order to complete a diagnosis. Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center offers digital stereotactic biopsies, and women can choose to be seated or lying down during the procedure for maximum comfort.
Bluff Imaging & Women's Center
Bluff Imaging & Women's Center is one of the area's only dedicated imaging center for the unique needs of women. Services include digital mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, bone density scans and other services dedicated for women.
Bluff Imaging & Women's Center is located in close proximity to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center and most physician offices in Poplar Bluff.
To schedule a mammogram or other screening exam, please call Bluff Imaging & Women's Center at (573) 785-6610.