The Women's Imaging Section at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona is dedicated to providing the highest quality comprehensive imaging services for women's health. With accreditation by the American College of Radiology, our technologists and radiologists provide patients and physicians with highly accurate test results.
Bone Density Scanning
Also called bone densitometry or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA), a bone density scan is a form of X-ray technology used to measure bone loss. The test is most often performed on the lower spine and hips, and its results can help diagnose osteoporosis and track progress during treatment.
The results of the bone density scan are present in comparison with data taken from people based on gender, age, and nationality. You will receive your results in two scores: a T score and a Z score.
- The T score shows the amount of bone you have in comparison to a young adult of the same gender with peak bone mass
- The Z score compares the amount of bone you have in comparison to other people in your age group, nationality and gender. A bone density scan is typically recommended for women in menopause, people who have been on steroid treatments (for example asthma), patients who have undergone chemotherapy or other pathologic treatments that cause a decrease in bone density.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast Ultrasound, also known as sonography or ultrasonography, is frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening or diagnostic mammography or during a physician performed clinical breast exam. Ultrasound allows significant freedom in obtaining images of the breast from almost any angle. Ultrasound is excellent at imaging cysts, which are round, fluid-filled pockets inside the breast. Additionally, ultrasound can often quickly determine if a suspicious area is in fact a benign cyst (always non-cancerous) or a solid mass which, may require a biopsy to determine if it is malignant (cancerous).
Breast MRI
Breast MRI has emerged as a powerful tool in detecting breast cancer as well as determining the extent of the disease once it is diagnosed. MRI’s are a non-invasive, usually painless procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create digital images of your breast that can be used as an extremely sensitive method of disease detection throughout the breast and surrounding area.
Breast MRI Biopsy
During Breast MRI biopsy, a MRI machine is used to guide the radiologist's instruments to the site of the abnormality identified on your earlier MRI study.
Mammography
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that creates an image of a woman's breast, allowing radiologists to detect the presence of breast cancer or other breasts diseases.
Guidelines dictate that all women should receive an annual screening mammogram beginning at age 40, with the exception of women with increased risk due to genetic history (in such cases women should consult their physician for early testing).
Computer Aided Detection is used in screening mammograms, which enhances the radiologists ability to detect even the smallest abnormality diagnostic mammogram is performed when a woman of her physician has discovered abnormal symptoms or as a follow-up to a mammographic finding.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic biopsies are performed to identify breast abnormalities. This procedure is very useful when suspicious changes can't be seen by a mammogram or an ultrasound. It is a minimally invasive way to obtain a sample of breast tissue for further diagnosis, and it is also faster and less painful than traditional surgical biopsy.
Stereotactic technology uses a computer to enable radiologists to locate and obtain a sample of the precise center of the questionable area. It uses "stereo" x-rays (x-rays taken from multiple angles) and a special biopsy needle.
Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is performed by using ultrasound to locate the area in question. Unlike procedures that require the use of X-Ray, ultrasound-guided biopsy requires no exposure to radiation. This procedure is very useful when suspicious changes can't be seen by a mammogram or an ultrasound. This type of biopsy is a minimally invasive way to obtain a sample of breast tissue for further diagnosis. It is also faster and less painful than traditional surgery biopsy.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization is a nonsurgical treatment for benign uterine tumors, called leiomyomas, or fibroids. Fibroids may cause very heavy menstrual cycles, a condition called abnormal uterine bleeding. During embolization, tiny particles are injected into the artery that supplies blood to the tumor in the uterus until the artery is blocked off (embolized). Once blocked, the fibroid becomes deprived of oxygen, shrinks in size and eventually dies.
Outpatient Location
Outpatient Radiology Services
350 W. Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
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Hours
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Parking
3rd Avenue Garage, just north of Thomas Road. Valet parking is also available.
Contact Us
For more information or to make an appointment, please call 602-406-6700. Our fax number is 602-406-5188.
