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Imaging Center
Our Approach
When you visit the Imaging Center at Providence Centralia Hospital, your comfort is our priority. Our diagnostic imaging uses pictures to create a roadmap to the source of your condition. Once we can clearly see the cause, we can develop a plan for healing.
When it comes to health care, no one likes surprises. We’ll let you know everything you need to do before, during and after your imaging service, so you know exactly what to expect. We want to get to the root of your health issue without disrupting your life. And that includes not having to wait for answers. We’ll get you results quickly using the latest in leading-edge imaging equipment.
At Providence Diagnostic Imaging, our radiologists and technologists offer a wide range of imaging tests, including:
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Breast MRI
A breast MRI involves the use of non-radioactive contrast dye in combination with a powerful magnetic field to produce high-resolution images of breast tissue. It helps evaluate abnormalities detected through a physical exam or a mammogram, such as lumps or other unusual changes in breast tissue.
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Bone Density Imaging
We can precisely detect the signs of osteoporosis and arthritis with a quick and painless bone density imaging test.
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Computerized Tomography Scan (CAT/CT)
CT scans use a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce clear images of the body that can be used to monitor a variety of conditions, including tumors. Our services also include low-dose CT lung cancer screenings and coronary calcium scans to help evaluate calcium deposits that may have collected in the heart’s arteries.
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Lung Cancer Screening
Used as a preventive measure to ensure better chances of survival for those who develop cancer symptoms.
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Mammography
Mammograms are one of the most important tools doctors have in breast cancer prevention and early detection. Our services also include 3D mammography, which is similar to getting a standard 2D mammogram, except that the X-ray takes more images and combines them to create a clearer, three-dimensional view of the breast.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI is an advanced digital imaging method that uses a harmless magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the body.
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Ultrasound
An ultrasound, sometimes called a sonogram, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses inaudible high-frequency sound waves emitted through the body to create an image of your internal organs on screen. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
With the ultrasound, your doctor is able to assess blood flow through various vessels and the overall condition of some of your most vital organs, such as the liver, spleen, gallbladder and kidneys.
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X-ray
An X-ray is a diagnostic procedure that uses invisible beams of energy to produce images of the body’s internal structures, such as tissues, organs and bones.
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
A PET scan is a nuclear imaging procedure that uses a combination of computer technology and a radioactive imaging agent called a tracer to produce clear, high-resolution images of the body and its various functions in real-time and in 3D. They allow doctors to evaluate a wide range of conditions – including brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and a variety of cancers – and provide more accurate diagnoses, targeted treatments and better outcomes for our patients.
Importance of Getting Regular Mammograms
Providence encourages every woman to talk to her doctor, beginning at age 40, about when to start breast cancer screening through regular mammograms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Before scheduling a mammogram, please speak with your doctor about any recent problems or abnormalities concerning your breasts.
- If you've had previous mammograms, make them available to the radiologist. It's helpful for the radiologist to compare previous images with the new ones.
- Don't schedule your mammogram the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time is one week after your period.
- Always inform your doctor or radiology technologist if there is a possibility that you’re pregnant.
- Don't wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms on the day of your mammogram. These can appear as calcium spots on X-rays.
Before the examination, you'll be given a hospital gown or a loose-fitting drape that opens in the front. You'll be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing above the waist.
A radiologic technologist will position you at the mammography unit to image each breast. The breast will be placed on a firm, flat X-ray surface and compressed with firm, gentle pressure from the mammography device. The compression causes discomfort for some women, but most find it to be painless.
Breast compression is necessary to:
- Allow the use of a lower X-ray dose
- Create a sharper picture
- Hold the breast still, eliminating blurring of the image
- Spread out the breast thickness so that all tissue can be visualized
- Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities won’t be obscured
While the breast is compressed, the technologist will take an X-ray, helping you change positions slightly between images. Generally, mammograms include a top-to-bottom view and a side view of the breast tissue. The process is repeated for each breast.
The examination process for a mammogram generally takes about 20 minutes.
When the exam is complete, you'll be asked to wait until the technologist evaluates the images to determine if more images are needed. If an image is unclear or if a finding seems suspicious, the radiologist may recommend further diagnostic studies.
If you were referred by another doctor or primary care provider, we’re happy to send a copy of your mammogram to them.
In the very earliest stages, breast cancer has no outward symptoms. Sometimes the earliest sign is a tiny lump, or mass, that’s only detectable on a mammogram. As the disease progresses, however, more noticeable changes might appear. These can vary widely – while a lump is the most common symptom, it’s by no means the only one.
Any of the following changes could be a warning sign of breast cancer:
- Bloody nipple discharge or unilateral discharge other than breast milk
- Dimpling, puckering, irritation or scaliness of the breast skin or nipple
- Lump in the breast or armpit area
- Nipple that turns inward, flattens out, pulls to one side or changes direction
- Pain or tenderness in the breast or nipple
- Swelling in all or part of the breast
- Thickening or redness of the breast skin
These symptoms may be signs of breast cancer in men as well as women.
If you notice a potential symptom of breast cancer, or if you’re concerned about any changes in the way one of your breasts looks or feels, please call your primary care provider or a breast care specialist.
While these symptoms don’t always indicate cancer – sometimes they are signs of something less serious, such as a cyst or an infection – it’s important to have a physician evaluate them right away. Don’t wait to see if they go away on their own.
It bears repeating, treating breast cancer successfully is much easier when it’s caught and treated early.