The Clara Fairbanks Center for Women provides the most advanced diagnostics for breast available in the area.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an imaging test that uses magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the breast and surrounding tissue. It does not use radiation. A breast MRI may be done in combination with mammography or ultrasound.

Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of organs and structures inside the body. A breast ultrasound focuses on the breast and surrounding tissues. Breast ultrasounds are available by physician orders and are not used as a screening study.

3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis 3D Breast Imaging)

3D mammography equipment takes multiple x-ray pictures of each breast from many angles. An X-ray tube moves in an arc around the breast while additional images are taken. Then the information is sent to a computer, where it is assembled to produce clear, highly focused 3-dimensional images throughout the breast.

Digital Mammography

Similar to the technology used in digital cameras, digital mammography is a system where x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electric signals. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen. Images can be enlarged, lightened, or darkened. While digital mammography does not "see" any more than x-ray mammography, it can be more effective (than traditional mammography) for physicians diagnosing breast lumps, especially for women under age 50 who tend to have denser breast tissue.