Screen / Diagnostic Services

The image of a breast is displayed on a high resolution monitor with advanced software to enhance and magnify for optimal evaluation and interpretation by our board certified radiologist. Advances include reduction in time of compression and a lower average radiation dose. Quality images are viewed quickly to assure the evaluation is complete prior to the patient leaving the room. Digital Mammography is offered at Hays Med and also by the mobile Mammography unit.

Ultrasound is a safe and painless test using sound waves. It is not an x-ray and does not use radiation. The technologist will apply gel to the skin and move a camera-like probe in many directions over the breast. Live, in motion, images are displayed on a high resolution monitor. Ultrasound is used to further study a specific area on a mammogram, palpable lump or guide for minimally invasive procedures. This exam can determine the difference between a fluid filled lesion (cyst) or a solid lesion.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast is a special breast imaging technique which utilizes intravenous contrast while obtaining multiple cross-sectional images of your breasts, muscle and chest wall. Image processing and CAD (Computer Aided Detection) system are used for review and interpretation by a board certified radiologist. MRI is highly sensitive for evaluating abnormalities seen on ultrasound or mammography but can also detect lesions that are not-palpable or not seen on mammography. It is especially helpful in women with dense breast tissue or implants which may limit other imaging options. Although used for the detection of breast cancer, it can also be beneficial in evaluating treatment effectiveness or disease in the unaffected breast or breast implant integrity. Optimal imaging requires specific patient scheduling with 7-10 days of their menstrual cycle, cessation of hormone replacement therapy for 30 days and careful safety screening.

This is a minimally invasive procedure using digital x-ray to precisely locate a lesion. We utilize the most state of the art vacuum assisted core biopsy device to remove multiple samples of breast tissue for analysis. This procedure requires the use of local numbing medication injected into the breast (anesthetic) so there is little or no discomfort. *Patient is seated for the procedure*

This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses real-time ultrasound imaging to precisely locate a lesion. We utilize the most state of the art vacuum assisted core biopsy device to remove multiple breast tissue for analysis. This procedure is done using local numbing medication and does not require sutures and caused little or no discomfort.

DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) is used to determine your risk for bone fractures. It uses a small amount of radiation to look at the density of your bones and mineral content. Scans are safe, easy and determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Knowing if you have osteoporosis is important as there are treatment options available to minimize the effects of this process.

Latest Technology

Only 3D mammography available in Kansas outside of Kansas City to improve the fight against breast cancer.

What is breast tomosynthesis?
Breast tomosynthesis converts digital breast images into a stack of very thin layers or “slices” – building what is essentially a “3-dimensional mammogram.”

Now the radiologist can see breast tissue detail in a way never before possible.  Instead of viewing all the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, the doctor can examine the tissue a millimeter at a time.  Fine details are more clearly visible, no longer hidden by the tissue above and below.

Should you consider 3D mammography?

*Do you have dense breasts?
*Do you have a history of call backs with your mammograms?
*Do you have a family history of call backs with your mammograms?
*Do you have a history of breast abnormalities or cancer?

What to expect?
A tomosynthesis exam is very similar to a traditional mammogram.  The exam time is approximately the same as a digital mammogram and delivers a similar radiation dose.

Just as with your digital mammogram, our breast will be compressed while the x-ray arm makes a quick arc over the breast taking a series of images at a number of angles.  2D and 3D images are obtained simultaneously.  With tomosynthesis, additional compression and adjustment of the breast is not required.

Screening for Breast Cancer
Doctors and scientists agree that early detection is the best defense against breast cancer.  If we find cancer in its earliest stages, the chances of surviving it are good.  Until now, the best way to do that has been with digital mammography.

While digital mammography is still one of the most advanced technologies available today, it is only a two dimensional picture of the breast.  Since the breast is composed of pockets of dense tissue surrounded by fat, when x-rayed, it creates an image that has overlapping tissue making it difficult to see fine “spots”, called microcalcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.

In some cases, the radiologist may ask you to come back for a follow-up examination such as a diagnostic mammogram to rule out any suspicious areas.

An additional screening tool
Breast tomosynthesis is a new technology in the fight against breast cancer.  Breast tomosynthesis is used in conjunction with traditional digital mammography as part of your annual screening mammogram to capture more breast images.  Using breast tomosynthesis and digital mammography together for screening has been proven to reduce “call-backs”.

Breast tomosynthesis allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time.  This exciting new technology is FDA approved.

Advantages
*30% increase in breast cancer detection
*3D mammography may provide a lower chance you will have to come back for additional mammographic imaging.
*Only 3D mammography in Kansas outside of Kansas City

The new technology combines 2D and 3D mammography.  Most insurance companies cover the 2D mammography portion of the exam.

There is an additional $75 cost for a 3D mammogram that is payable the day of the exam.  This covers a $40 radiologist interpretation fee and $35 technical fee.