Women's imaging at the Carole Pump Women's Center offers the latest in digital and imaging technology under the direction of a dedicated, female, Board-certified, Fellowship-trained Women's Imaging Radiologist (mammographer) who is a foremost expert in the field.
The Women's Center offers digital mammography, 4D ultrasound breast imaging (and interventional urology), vacuum assisted breast biopsy, MR guide breast biopsy, and obstetric/pelvic ultrasound.
Mammography
Mammography is the examination of the female breast. It is a powerful technique for the detection of breast cancer at an earlier stage than is often detectable by physical examination.
Northridge Hospital has the latest state-of-the-art mammography equipment that allows low dose high-resolution image acquisition. The mammographic system also includes the ability to do biopsies and rapidly assess whether or not a lump you may feel is a significant finding or not.
If it is, you are well on your way to assessment and potential cure. The threat of breast cancer is a very real concern for all women. By age 60, one out of 24 women will be diagnosed with this deadly disease.
Our Women's Center has comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options. Through early detection with
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mammograms, clinical breast examinations, and breast self-examinations, we offer women the best opportunity for reducing the breast cancer death rate.
The vacuum assisted breast biopsy (a.k.a. stereotactic core biopsy) obtains a breast sample by inserting a special probe only once instead of several needle insertions like other procedures. We also perform MR guided breast biopsy that is completed in an hour using only a topical anesthetic.
We also offer: Musculoskeletal Imaging and Body Cross-sectional Imaging. Our online Health and Wellness Library has extensive information on women's health including dozens of articles on mammography and a women's health advisor with guides, quizzes, and interactive health information.
Bone Densitometry
Bone densitometry sometimes known as dual energy absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) is a technique for measuring bone density in both men and women. Bone mineral content or bone density decreases with age leading to increased risk of bone fractures.
This technique allows your physician to identify whether or not you are at risk for hip or spine fractures. If your bone density is found to be low, you can work with your physician on a treatment plan to help prevent fractures. DXA is also effective in tracking the effects of treatment for osteoporosis or for other conditions that cause bone loss. Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens a person's bones, making them less dense and more fragile, and thus more likely to break.
Ten million Americans have osteoporosis, and 34 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for fractures and disability. Learn more about this preventable disease by taking the "Osteoporosis Risk Assessment" in our online Health & Wellness Library, or read more on "What is osteoporosis?"
