DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING -WOMEN'S HEALTH

Digital Mammography - 65% of women would benefit from the use of digital mammography over the tradition film screen mammography (see DMIST). These women are; under age 50 (regardless of level of breast tissue density) of any age, with heterogeneously (very dense) or extremely dense breast tissue. or pre or perimenopausal women of any age (defined as women who had a last menstrual period within 12 months of their mammograms). DOI is of the few locations in El Paso offering digital mammography today. Osteoporosis - DEXA bone densitometry is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause. DEXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips, although at Diagnostic Outpatient Imaging we can evaluate the radius and forearms. DEXA is also effective in tracking the effects of treatment for osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone loss. The DEXA test can also assess an individual's risk for developing fractures.

Breast Biopsy - Before, a breast biopsy and mastectomy were done as a one-step procedure. The biopsy was performed while the patient was under general anesthesia, and the tissue was immediately sent to the laboratory for analysis. But, today, there is a much less invasive procedure; an image guided breast biopsy.  at DOI we can schedule a breast biopsy as an outpatient procedure without the use of a general anesthesia. Since over 80% of breast biopsies are negative or benign, patients have time to discuss treatment options, get a second opinion, and make a decision.

Ultrasound -  There are various ultrasounds available for women's health they include;

• Pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of the organs and structures in the lower belly (pelvis) which include the bladder, ovaries, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes.
• A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of a breast ultrasound examination. Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.
• Breast Ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow or lack of flow in any breast mass. This may in some cases provide additional information as to the cause of the mass.
• Early Pregnancy Ultrasound - We provide rapid access to diagnostic tests for women with complications of early pregnancy (generally between 5 & 12 weeks of pregnancy). Bleeding or pain in early pregnancy is not uncommon and may provoke a great deal of anxiety. 
• Fetal Anomaly Ultrasound is performed between 18 weeks and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Measurements are taken to assess fetal growth and the appearance and position of the placenta. A detailed examination of fetal anatomy is performed to confirm that there are no major anomalies. The fetus is also examined for minor variations of normal anatomy which are found more commonly in babies with chromosomal abnormalities.
• Fetal Growth is performed between 24 and 42 weeks. More than one scan may be required. The aim is to check the growth and health of the baby.