The Women’s Imaging Center at Regional Hospital of Jackson is a diagnostic and educational center dedicated specifically to the needs of women. From the comfortable living room décor of the waiting room to the privacy of the examination room, patients consistently give feedback as to the homelike atmosphere that puts them at ease long before their actual exams. The design of the center was well thought-out before the doors first opened in June 1996. Designed for privacy, it is a suite of private examination rooms separated from the rest of the radiology department in order to meet the privacy, dignity, respect and comfort needs of our patients.

When the center first opened in 1996, it offered screening and diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, ductograms, breast needle localizations, ultrasound guided breast biopsies and digital stereotactic breast biopsies. Since that time, the center has added the MRI breast coil, perspective breast imaging with ultrasound and the MRS (mammography-reporting system).

For many women, the annual mammogram is faced with mixed emotions because of the discomfort that many women report in the exam itself. However, the Women’s Imaging Center is always looking for ways to address any barriers that might hinder women from this much needed exam. Therefore, the WIC is glad to be the first in the Jackson area to offer the Woman’s Touch Mammo Pad by Biolucent. The single-use, Woman’s Touch Mammo Pad breast cushion places a soft, warm, protective surface between the breast the mammography machine which can significantly increase a woman’s comfort.

With the latest of equipment and trained staff, the mammography of the Women’s Imaging Center is ACR (American College of Radiology) and FDA (MQSA) accredited. Each mammogram is performed by a registered mammographer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a screening mammogram? A screening mammogram is a very low dose x-ray examination of the breast. It is for patients who have no abnormalities on a physical examination and no breast implants. The screening is used to detect cancer or other abnormalities. The exam usually takes about ten minutes and will consist of two views of each breast. The results of your examination will be reported to you and your physician by mail. If your results indicate that an abnormality has been detected, additional diagnostic exams may be necessary. However, the presence of an abnormality or a possible abnormality does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer.
  
  
• What is a diagnostic mammogram? A diagnostic mammogram is very similar to a screening mammogram in that it is a very low dose x-ray examination. A diagnostic mammogram is tailored to each patient on an individual basis and may consist of multiple views of the questioned abnormality.
  
  The results of a diagnostic exam will be reported to you and your physician as soon as possible. We know that the waiting can be a very anxious time. Therefore, we try to give you the results on the day of the examination. However, the final report can be delayed if previous mammograms were performed in another facility and unavailable on the day of your exam. Previous mammograms are used by the radiologists for comparison purposes in order to see if there have been any changes since your last mammogram.
  
  Even after the initial diagnostic mammogram, additional x-ray views and/or ultrasounds may be requested by the diagnostic radiologist in order to give the most accurate diagnosis.
  
  
• Who should receive a diagnostic mammogram? A diagnostic mammogram is for a patient having:
  
  
  • Any lump (mass), questionable lump, breast thickening, skin retraction, nipple discharge, or any other significant finding on physical examination.
    
  • Previous mastectomy for malignancy within the last five years.
    
  • Follow-up for previous abnormality or work-up of an abnormal finding on a screening
    
  • Implants
  
  
• Should I bring a copy of previous mammograms that have been performed in other facilities? In both screening and diagnostic mammograms, having a copy of your previous mammograms will speed up the reporting time of your examination. As indicated above, previous mammograms are used by the radiologists for comparison purposes in order to see if there have been any changes since your last mammogram. If your previous mammograms have been done in our facility, we will have them on hand for comparison.
  
  
• What should I do to prepare for a mammogram? To facilitate the best of care and to ensure that your appointment will go as quickly as possible, we recommend the following:
  
  
  • In scheduling your exam:
    
    
    1. Have your insurance card and photo identification with you.
       
    2. Have the signed physician order and diagnosis. State law prohibits self-referral mammograms.
       
    3. Avoid scheduling your mammogram during the week prior to your menstrual period because of potential swelling and tenderness of the breast during this time of the month.
    
    
  • On the day of your exam:
    
    
    1. Wear a two-piece outfit rather than a dress. This will make it easier to undress. You will be given a gown to wear.
       
    2. Before the x-rays are done, be prepared to wash off above the waist any deodorant, powder, perfume, creams or lotions. They leave a residue that may be picked up on the x-ray and could possibly interfere with the results of the mammogram.
  
  

Information You Should Know

One out of every eight women will have breast cancer during her lifetime. But with early detection, the cure rate for breast cancer can be as high as 96%. Here are three things you can do to protect yourself:

• Have an annual physical examination.
• Practice regular breast self-examination. The American Cancer Society recommends monthly self-exams for women over age 20. The ACS also recommends a clinical exam every three years between the ages of 20-39, and every year if you are age 40 or over.
• Schedule a mammogram regularly. Based on your personal or family history, your physician may recommend changes to the standard schedule for your age group.