News and Events

Women’s Imaging Services

Weeks Medical Center offers comprehensive diagnostic imaging for women that includes Mammography, Ultrasound and Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD). These important diagnostic services can help family physicians, GYN doctors, and other specialists respond to female health issues.

Mammography

The Radiology Department at Weeks offers a fully digital GE mammography unit. Digital mammography is the most advanced mammographic imaging technology available for the early detection of breast cancer. Weeks offers Mammo Pads which are a single use cushioned pad that helps to provide comfort during a mammogram. Mammogram results are typically available within two to three days.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to produce an image. Weeks uses a GE Logiq-7 which is capable of performing all types of general, GYN, carotid and venous ultrasound procedures. Ultrasound can also be used as a second line diagnostic procedure after mammography when a higher level of diagnostic imaging is needed.

Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)

Bone Density measures the mineral content and density of the bones in two critical areas…the lumbar spine and hip. This exam, which uses a minimal amount of radiation, helps identify those at risk for osteoporosis or in the early stages of the disease (osteopenia).

Experienced, Caring Technologist and Staff

Weeks is fortunate to have a Radiology Technologist who is dedicated full-time to women’s imaging. Susie Short, RTRM has an extensive background in imaging and is certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists in Diagnostic Radiology and Mammography. A team of two highly experienced Radiologists round out the imaging team.

Breast Biopsies and Surgeries at Weeks

If a patient is diagnosed with signs of breast cancer, the patient’s primary care physician will contact a Weeks surgeon who will schedule the biopsy. The selection of a breast biopsy depends on the size, location, and characteristics of the lump and whether or not the lump is palpable, i.e. can be felt.

Open Excisional Biopsy

This outpatient procedure can be performed whether or not the breast mass is palpable and is usually performed under local anesthesia, with the surgeon making a small incision as close to the lump as possible.

Stereotactic Biopsy

Stereotactic Biopsy (SB) is a specialized procedure used to check for cancer in abnormalities identified on a mammogram, particularly those that are not identified as “lumps,” but are potentially indications of the early stages of cancer. The benefits include:

• Outpatient procedure which is quick with minimal discomfort
• Requires only local anesthesia and no sutures
• Minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure

Breast Surgery at Weeks

Surgery is typically the first mode of therapy for most breast cancers. Before any operation, the Weeks surgeon talks with the patient about the most appropriate type of surgery. The type of surgery depends on the size of the cancer in the breast, whether it has spread to any other part of the body, and the patient’s personal preference. The following are breast cancer surgeries performed at Weeks:

• Lumpectomy is the removal of only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
• Simple Mastectomy surgery is the removal of all of the breast tissue, but with the preservation of the chest muscles.
• Radical Mastectomy is the removal of the breast and a larger portion of surrounding breast tissue.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical procedure for women already diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer may spread into the axillary lymph nodes first. If these nodes test normal, there is no need to remove any more nodes.
• Lymph Node Removal, or axillary lymph node dissection, can take place during lumpectomy or mastectomy if the biopsy shows that breast cancer has spread.

Patients may require follow-up radiation after surgery, particularly with a conservative surgery like a lumpectomy.

Multidisciplinary Breast Care Team

Weeks is staffed by a well-qualified team of breast health experts. If further cancer care is required, such as
chemotherapy, Weeks has a dedicated team of Dartmouth Oncologists to offer the most comprehensive, coordinated
care possible — quality care you need when you need it and all close to home.