Mammography

Breast Health Getting regular checkups and performing breast self-exams are two important ways to keep your breasts healthy.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women (other than skin cancer). The American Cancer Society reports the breast cancer death rate is declining, probably because of earlier detection and improved treatment. This short assessment will help you determine if you have major risk factors for breast cancer.

Mammograms Provide Comfort for a Lifetime
And now, they're even more comforting. New, softer MammoPad breast cushions are provided free to all patients at Northwest Health System. These pads, designed by a female breast surgeon, bring warmth and greater comfort to a mammogram without interfering with imaging. Be fearless, schedule a mammogram.

Northwest Health offers both scheduled and walk-in times for screening mammograms. Our FDA certified and registered Mammography facility has a staff of registered mammographers.

Digital Mammography

Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville is proud to offer all digital mammography to our patients. 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.

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

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 of under exposure. This potentially saves additional time and reduces exposure to x-rays.

What is a mammogram? Why do I need one?
A mammogram is an X-ray that uses low-dose radiation to create an image of breast tissue. It is used to diagnose and detect breast disease. It is recommended that women have their first baseline screening mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40. Annual follow-ups should begin at age 41. With a mammogram, it is possible to detect a tumor long before it can be detected by physical examination.

What other tests may find lumps, cysts, or other potential problems?
Ultrasound is another form of imaging technology that is used to diagnose and monitor particular health conditions. An ultrasound uses sound waves to see organs, blood vessels, and tissues in the body. A small, hand-held wand is moved around the outside of your body to *see* organs using high-frequency sound waves. Using a computer, these sound waves are converted into images.

Mobile Mammography Van
Northwest Health System takes breast care "on the road," with the Mobile MammoVan. Each year, the MammoVan provides approximately 1,200 mammograms to women in the community. Yearly mammograms can find key problems as much as two years before you feel a lump. Early detection is key.

• Northwest Women's Breast Center - (479) 757-4668
  at Northwest Medical Center - Springdale
• Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville - (479) 553-4253
• Willow Creek Women's Hospital - (479) 684-3110

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