Breast Imaging & Mammography in La Crosse

A team of specialized medical and support staff in the Center for Breast Care ensure that all imaging and screening procedures are performed at the highest level, in a caring, compassionate, safe and efficient manner. Our breast care team will guide you through every step of the imaging process, and are always available to answer your questions.

Screening mammography

Screening mammography is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. The goal is to detect cancer before any clinical signs are noticeable. This usually requires at least two images of the breast from different angles.

We offer same-day appointments. If you would like to take advantage of a same-day mammogram while you are on campus for other appointments, please stop by the Center for Breast Care on the second floor of the hospital building or call.

Screening mammography guidelines

The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Women should report any breast change promptly to their healthcare provider.

Computer-aided detection

Computer-aided detection, or CAD, assists radiologists by digitizing and analyzing mammograms for suspicious regions that may be indicative of cancer.

Digital mammography

Digital mammography is FDA-approved. This is similar to a standard X-ray except it uses a digital receptor and computer instead of film cassettes to record the images.

Digital diagnostic mammogram

Diagnostic mammography is used to investigate suspicious breast changes such as a breast lump, localized breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening or nipple discharge. It is also used to complete a screening mammogram, and obtain images from other angles. Diagnostic mammography may be used to focus on precise areas at higher magnification. It is also used to complete a screening mammogram when additional assessment is necessary by obtaining more detailed mammography images.

Ultrasound examinations and breast screenings

Ultrasound examination, also called diagnostic medical sonography or sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of the breast. These images often provide information valuable in diagnosing and treating disease.

However, consistent, high-quality handheld ultrasound examinations of the entire breast are difficult to perform. Therefore, ultrasound examination is not used as a supplemental screening tool to scan the entire breast for cancer. Ultrasound examination is used to investigate specific areas of the breast that look or feel abnormal, or appear abnormal on a mammogram image.

Breast MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a diagnostic test which creates cross-sectional images of the breast. No ionizing radiation is used.