Northwest Women's Imaging at Rancho Vistoso

Northwest Women's Imaging at Rancho Vistoso provides services dedicated to women's health, especially breast health. We go out of our way to make your experience with us as convenient and comfortable as possible with a newly remodeled mammography suite and timely, expert reading of images.

Our women's imaging services include digital breast mammography, breast ultrasound and ultrasound breast biopsy.

Digital Mammography

Breast cancer will affect an average of one in eight women sometime in her lifetime. It is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in women. Numerous studies prove that early detection is a vital component in the successful treatment of breast cancer.

Mammograms play a central part in the early detection of breast cancer because they can detect changes in the breast that may be early signs of cancer, but are too small or subtle to be felt. The use of mammography has greatly enhanced the ability to detect breast cancers at earlier stages. Now a new technology called full field digital mammography shows great promise in the fight against breast cancer.

Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor, and transmitted and stored just like computer files. From a patient's point of view, having a digital mammogram is very much like having a conventional screen-film mammogram. Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and x-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast.

During all mammography exams, the technologist positions the patient to image the breast from different angles and compresses the breast with a paddle to obtain optimal image quality.

Unlike film-based mammography, digital mammograms produce images that appear on the technologist's monitor in a matter of seconds. There is no waiting for film to develop, which can mean a shorter time spent in the breast imaging suite.

The Benefits of Digital Mammography

Unlike other parts of the body, the breast is composed mainly of soft tissue. When breast tissue is x-rayed, it creates an image that looks something like a smoky haze, making it difficult to see tiny "spots," called micro-calcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close-ups of specific areas of interest. Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology.

Another convenience of digital mammography over film-based systems is it can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure. This potentially saves additional time and reduces your exposure to x-rays. Because they are electronic, digital mammography images can be transmitted quickly across a network. Digital images can also be easily stored, copied without any loss of information, and transmitted and received in a more streamlined manner, eliminating dependence on only one set of "original" films.

To prepare for the exam:

• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam.
• Describe any breast symptoms or problems you may have to the technologist performing the exam.
• If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.

A specially trained technologist will position your breast on the platform of the mammography unit and compress it with a plastic paddle. Breast compression is necessary to visualize all the breast tissue, enable any abnormalities to be seen and hold the breast still. You will be asked to change positions so that the breast can be viewed from different angles. The process will be repeated for the other breast. The entire exam should take less than 30 minutes.

A physician's order is not always required to perform a screening mammogram. You can request a mammogram simply by calling for an appointment. Some insurance companies, however, will not pay for exams done without a physician's order.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling Central Scheduling at 520-469-8810.

The results of the mammogram are read by Dr. Gary Wood who has specialized in women's imaging for the past 15 years. He directs a practice with continued advanced education and new technology. Dr. Wood will take the time to talk to you about your options, recommend a specialist if necessary and will be there to answer your questions.

Dr. Wood also uses Computer Aided Detection (CAD) which is like a second set of eyes that looks at your mammogram. The report is sent to your physician who can discuss the results with you.

Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the breast.

During and ultrasound, you are usually positioned on an examination table and clear gel is applied to the body part that will be examined. A transducer that produces sound waves is placed firmly on the skin and moved back and forth. The sounds waves produced by the transducer flow freely through the gel and bounce back to the transducer. As the sound waves echo back to the transducer it records the strength and character of the reflected waves to create images of the organs. The examination usually takes less than 30 minutes.

A physician's order is required to perform an ultrasound scan. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Central Scheduling at 520-469-8810.

Ultrasounds are read by Dr. Gary Wood who has specialized in women's imaging for the past 15 years. He directs a practice with continued advanced education and new technology. Dr. Wood will take the time to talk to you about your options, recommend a specialist if necessary and will be there to answer your questions.

Breast Ultrasound Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. A breast biopsy is a procedure in which samples of breast tissue are removed with a special biopsy needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. There are several types of breast biopsy procedures. Northwest Women's Imaging at Rancho Vistoso offers breast ultrasound biopsy.

Ultrasound-guided biopsy is a technique that uses a computer and a transducer which sends out ultrasonic sounds waves to create images of the breast lump or mass. This technique helps to guide the needle biopsy.

A physician's order is required to perform an ultrasound scan. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Central Scheduling at 520-469-8810.

Ultrasound biopsies are read by Dr. Gary Wood who specializes in women's imaging and diagnostic radiology. The report is sent to your physician who will discuss the results with you.