Beauregard Health System Diagnostic Imaging offers impressive technology right here at home. We strongly believe advanced technology is key to an accurate diagnosis. The Imaging Department combines a greater spirit of caring with cutting-edge technology and trained professionals you can trust.
Beauregard Health System is proud to offer state-of-the-art technology for our community and surrounding areas, conducted by technologists with specialized training and registrations for the tests they provide. Technology includes:
- Siemens Multix Fusion Max Digital Radiography System (Digital X-Ray).
- GE Lightspeed 128-Slice Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner.
- GE Logic E9 Ultrasound System.
- Hologic Genius 3D Mammography System.
- Siemens Magnetom Area 1.5T MRI System.
- Siemens Evo Excel Nuclear Medicine System.
- Hologic Horizon Wi Bone Density Scanner.
For more information on how these diagnostic tests are performed, please visit radiologyinfo.org.
Mammography
Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. At Beauregard Health System, we are committed to the fight against breast cancer. We strongly believe early detection is the key to diagnosis, treatment, and saving lives. In doing so, we strive to offer the most advanced mammography technology for all of our community's mothers, daughters, and sisters. We know the importance of these women's roles in our lives, so we seek to offer an important role in their health.
Beauregard Health System is excited to offer Genius 3D Mammography exams, developed by Hologic, Inc., a worldwide leader in women's health. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, Genius exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers while decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing. An order from a physician is required before scheduling a mammogram.
The first mammogram should be done between ages 35 to 40, and every year after 40. Some insurances will not allow a patient to have a screening mammogram until the age of 40. Mammograms can be done earlier than recommended depending on family history of breast cancer. This usually depends on whether the patient's mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Patients at risk that are younger than the age recommended can have a breast ultrasound performed instead of a mammogram. All of these factors need to be discussed with your doctor, in order to determine the best option.
A 3-D mammography exam is very similar to all the prior mammography exams in the past. Compression is still applied, and the same number of pictures per breast are still taken; however, the radiologist reading the 3-D mammogram will get more images to review.
2-D mammograms are like looking at the cover of a book. You only get one image, but it is of high quality and detail. That image can still be manipulated to some degree. It can be darkened or lightened. It also can be magnified to a certain degree. 3-D mammograms are like looking at the pages throughout a book. The x-ray tube will make a 15-degree sweep across the breast being imaged, producing multiple layers of breast tissue for the radiologist to view.
It is similar to any mammogram. Compression will still be used. No lotion, powder or deodorant should be worn. Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing for the exam. Two-piece clothing is recommended.
Not all insurances cover 3-D mammograms; therefore, it is still acceptable to have a 2-D mammogram. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not stopped facilities from performing 2-D mammograms. A 2-D mammogram is still considered to be of high quality and detail.