Women’s Imaging in Northwest Montana
Women’s imaging involves screening and diagnostic testing to improve women’s health and reduce the risk of disease development.
There are several medical conditions that are unique to women, including menopause, pregnancy, or reproductive issues. Our approach to women’s imaging gives you specialized treatment and testing. Our medical professionals aim to provide a comprehensive approach to women’s imaging to give you the peace of mind you deserve.
The radiologists with Northwest Imaging are all board-certified by the American Board of Radiology and provide women’s imaging services to women throughout Montana. Contact us today for more information on the women’s imaging services we offer.
What are some Benefits of Women’s Imaging?
Women’s imaging is a category of tests or treatment options that are available for women. There are several situations where a woman would need a scan or a test. Getting a closer look is just one of the benefits of imaging.
Some common benefits of women’s imaging include:
- Monitoring during pregnancy – This includes ultrasounds and sonograms to assess your health and the health of your growing baby
- Imaging for reproductive issues – Many women experience issues with their reproductive tract, and a radiologist with Northwest Imaging can perform tests or imaging to help diagnose a wide range of conditions
- Get a closer look – Many tests allow a radiologist to get a conclusive view of a specific area of the body, assess your exact symptoms, and decide on the best treatment options
- Testing and Screening – Some women’s imaging allows for tests and immediate feedback to see if you are at risk for certain underlying health issues
- Early detection of cancer – One of the primary reasons for women’s imaging is to routinely check on areas that are susceptible to common cancers, such as breast cancer
- Track current disease treatment – Medical imaging for women can inform doctors of your progress to analyze the effectiveness
- Avoid future complications – Medical professionals can see the results of these diagnostic tests as soon as possible to recommend appropriate treatment and avoid future complications
What are some Types of Women’s Imaging?
Women’s imaging includes a wide range of services, most often performed by a specially-trained radiologist. Your primary care provider, Ob/Gyn, or other specialist may recommend imaging or screenings to keep your health on track.
Mammogram
A mammogram is one of the most common types of women’s imaging to help you avoid breast cancer. Regular mammograms can help monitor breast health and detect breast cancer early. A mammogram is a low-energy X-ray, taking pictures of the breast tissue. It can detect cancer as soon as two years before you can even feel a lump. Annual mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40. These are considered screening mammograms. If you suspect you may have cancer, your doctor may also recommend a diagnostic mammogram to get a closer look.
3D Mammogram
If you at a higher risk for breast cancer or if a radiologist would like a more advanced imaging option, you may be considered for a 3D Mammogram. This is an advanced technology to see multiple angles of the breast. This imaging delivers clear results about subtle irregularities that other scans may miss and gives you added confidence in your test results.
MRI Scans
If you are at a higher risk of breast cancer, you may also get a breast MRI scan. This can be an additional tool to provide an accurate diagnosis. If you are pregnant and the fetus needs more analysis, a fetal MRI may also be recommended to get a closer look. MRI scans usually gather more information after an ultrasound or mammogram.
Ultrasound
Women’s imaging also includes ultrasounds, or high-frequency sound waves that provide real-time images your body. This procedure is particularly useful to see the structure of internal organs and blood flow. This type of imaging is particularly useful during pregnancy, infertility, issues with the ovaries or cervix, cysts, lumps, bumps, or other conditions you may want to evaluate.
Bone Density Scan
As women age, the estrogen levels often fall during menopause. This puts you at risk for osteoporosis or other bone issues. A bone density scan can help measure the amount of calcium you have. It can determine low bone density or lack of minerals. A bone density scan can help you avoid fractures or even track your medication’s effectiveness if you have been taking supplements. Regular bone density scans are recommended for women 65 and older, or over age 50 if you’ve broken a bone.
Experts You Can Trust
Imaging is a vital part of a woman’s health journey. You are putting your trust in the radiologists with Northwest Imaging to accurately scan, diagnose, and determine various issues about your health. With our providers, you can be confident that you will be comfortable during your imaging and you will receive accurate results in a timely manner.
We will answer any questions you may have about the imaging, and we will help you understand your results. We realize it can be daunting to undergo these procedures for the first time, but regular imaging can help save your life.
Women’s Imaging at Northwest Imaging
The board-certified radiologists with Northwest Imaging utilize the latest imaging technology and have extensive experience performing a wide array of safe and accurate diagnostic tests. Contact us today for more information on the women’s imaging exams we perform at our many Montana radiology clinics. We have clinics in Browning, Townsend, Libby, Kalispell, Plains, Whitefish, Hot Springs, Chester, Shelby, Conrad, Cut Bank, Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Eureka, Fort Benton, Polson, Malta, Rnan, and Choteau.