Women's Imaging

ParkWest Imaging always provides the gold standard in Women’s Imaging. Our radiologists stay on the forefront of women’s imaging technology providing soft-padded, Digital Mammography, 3D/4D Ultrasound, Ultrasound biopsy, QCT Bone Densitometry and Breast MRI with available Breast MRI biopsy utilizing a 3Tesla magnet which provides incomparable imagery. ParkWest Imaging also participates in a Breast Health Program in partnership with Parkview Medical Center utilizing a Nurse Navigator to expedite diagnosis of questionable mammographies to within five days rather than having to wait months.

Digital Mammography

Digital mammography reduces exam times and radiation exposure while enabling a better view for the radiologist, which reduces call backs for questionable mammographies. The improved imaging capability of digital mammography affords better imaging of women with dense breast tissue, breast implants and has demonstrated increased effectiveness in detecting tumors in women over fifty and women entering menopause. Out of consideration for our patients, PWI provides soft mammography pads for a more comfortable experience.

3D/4D Ultrasound

3D and 4D Ultrasound can generate images of the facial features of a developing infant that expecting parents are so fond of. More importantly, it can earlier identify some medical issues, such as cardiac anomalies or cleft lips, allowing them to be treatedearlier, sometimes while still in the womb.

Patients will also benefit from a greater accuracy in ultrasound guided biopsies thanks to the visualization of needle movements in real time in all three planes. This allows physicians and sonographers to detect or rule out any number of issues from vascular anomalies and genetic syndromes.

Breast MRI and Breast MRI Guided Biopsy

Breast MRI images not only the fatty tissue of the breast identified by mammography but also views the muscle tissue behind the breast and lymph nodes under the arm where cancers may not be picked up by mammography. The goal of breast MRI and breast MRI guided biopsy is to find additional cancers in women who have a new diagnosis of breast cancer. Women are increasingly having breast conservation surgery as opposed to mastectomy. Breast MRI helps identify disease that imaging may have been missing before. National studies of breast MRI have shown that the technique for revealed hidden cancer in the non treated breast in about 4% of cases and can alter surgical management in 30% of cases.

QCT Bone Density Studies

Changes in Bone Mineral Density are visible 2 to 4 times faster with QCT.

QCT has the highest sensitivity because only CT can isolate and evaluate the trabecular structure of the spine. Trabecular bone is eight times more active than cortical bone, thus has the highest rate of metabolic turnover tissue. It will reflect demineralization or response to treatment faster. Also, for a more comprehensive study, QCT measures BMD in Two Locations, femoral neck (hip) and L-Spine.