Breast Imaging
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Merit Health Biloxi provides helpful services to educate women on breast health, and encourage self-exams and routine screenings. We utilize imaging technology that may detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective. The combination of caring technologists and imaging technology allows us to deliver quality care.
3D Mammography
Merit Health Biloxi offers both 2D and 3D mammography exams at Merit Health Biloxi Imaging Services outpatient locations. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, these exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.
In conventional 2D mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. A 3D exam includes a three-dimensional method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect.
A 3D exam includes both 2D images and tomosynthesis scans. During the tomosynthesis portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. An exam requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam.
This approach with a 3D mammography exam is improving how breast cancer is detected by providing a better option for women of all breast densities compared to 2D alone.
Merit Health Biloxi and its outpatient imaging locations are committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering the 3D exam, Merit Health Biloxi Imaging Services provides a more accurate tool for breast cancer screening.
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. It offers numerous benefits to women, including:
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Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
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Less radiation exposure.
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Greater image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams.
If you would like to schedule a 3D mammogram exam, please call (228) 314-7226.
According to acr.org, breast tomosynthesis (3D) has shown to be an advance over digital (2D) mammography, with higher cancer detection rates and fewer patient recalls for additional testing.
Breast MRI
Along with mammography, breast MRI can be an effective diagnostic tool. Breast MRI is often used for women who are at greater risk of developing breast 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:
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Assess the extent of breast cancer.
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Determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation therapy during breast cancer treatment.
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Further evaluate abnormalities that were found during a mammogram or clinical exam.
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Provide additional detail for treatment planning.
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate 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. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass.
Stereotactic Biopsies
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. Merit Health Biloxi offers digital stereotactic biopsies, and women can choose to be seated or lying down during the procedure for maximum comfort.
To schedule a mammogram or other screening exam, please call (228) 436-1234.
For American College of Radiology recommendations, visit acr.org