Service Highlight: Stereotactic Biopsy and DEXA

 

At Cheyenne Women’s Imaging Pavilion, we’re always looking for new ways to serve our patients with improved technology and more services. Thanks to our joint venture with Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, we can now offer stereotactic breast biopsies and expanded bone density screenings.

 

What is a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy?

A biopsy is a simple, low-risk test that examines tissue from your body to help your doctor diagnose a condition. For women, a breast biopsy can help diagnose early breast cancer. Stereotactic biopsies use two images taken from slightly different angles to create a more precise image of an abnormality.

 

Hopefully you won’t ever need a biopsy, but if you do, the Cheyenne Women’s Imaging Pavilion is here to offer exceptional, compassionate and affordable care close to home.

 

Stereotactic biopsies aren’t the only service we’re excited about! There’s also expanded DEXA scans. Wondering what it is and if it’s right for you?

 

Maybe this short guide will help.

 

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA (or DXA) scan is a non-invasive test to measure bone density. They are most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that primarily affects women. Osteoporosis causes your bones to become less dense and more brittle, putting you at a high risk for serious fractures. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, women account for 80% of all osteoporosis cases.

 

When should you screen?

 

The NOF recommends screening for osteoporosis every one to two years if:

  • You are a woman over age 65
  • You are a man over age 70
  • You break a bone after age 50
  • You are a woman of menopausal age with risk factors
  • You are a man ages 50–69 with risk factors

 

Some risk factors include:

  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Previous fractures
  • Poor nutrition, cigarette smoking or alcoholism
  • Estrogen deficiency
  • Early menopause
  • Inadequate physical activity

 

If you and your doctor have decided a bone density screening is right for you, ask for a referral to Cheyenne Women’s Imaging Pavilion at Cheyenne Radiology!