Our Women's Imaging Center brings the latest imaging technology including digital mammography, DEXA bone density scans, and stereotactic biopsy techniques – all together in one place. Because preserving a woman’s breast health is all we do, we bring unique expertise to every aspect of education and diagnosis.
QVMC Awarded Three-Year Accreditation in Mammography by the American College of Radiology
Located on the 2nd floor of the Wellness Center, our Women's Imaging Center (also known as the Breast Center) brings unique expertise to every aspect of breast health.
Our board certified team of radiologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons and pathologists are among the country's most respected. This combination of unmatched expertise, remarkable convenience and the most advanced diagnostic procedure available today – has made us the first choice of women in the area.
In addition to our intense focus on clinical care, we facilitate several support groups that assist patients who need help with the emotional burden of serious illness. The weekly cancer support group and Bosom Buddies, a breast cancer support group, provide patients and their loved ones a positive environment to share feelings and concerns. See the Classes and Events calendars for dates and times.
Mammograms are provided at no cost and/or reduced cost for under-insured and uninsured women through a partnership between California's Breast Cancer Early Detection Program and the Queen of the Valley Medical Center. For more information call 257-4047.
THREE QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK BEFORE CHOOSING A WOMEN'S IMAGING CENTER
First, ask about the history and reputation of the breast imaging center in the community. At the Women's Imaging Center, the professionals are also dedicated members of our community. The people you have come to know and trust are the same ones responsible for our excellent reputation. Our professional level of care and compassion is hard to beat.
Second, ask about who will be performing your exam. A mammographer is a registered and licensed technologist who has specialized training in taking breast x-rays which are read by the radiologist to make a diagnosis.
Third, ask about the center's certification. A breast imaging center is required to be licensed by the FDA. The Women's Imaging Center at Queen of the Valley Medical Center is a fully accredited facility that allows patients to stay near home in Napa Valley and still receive state-of-the art care.
DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY WITH CAD TECHNOLOGY
Queen of the Valley Medical Center is proud to be able to offer the latest in technology to our community. Due to the generous contributions of the Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation, we continue to provide the latest in imaging technology, such as digital mammography, which is available in the nation's top medical facilities.
Every mammogram at the Women's Imaging Center is reviewed by one of our skilled radiologists. To aid in their search for breast abnormalities each mammogram is also reviewed by a computer designed to search for abnormalities. This technology is referred to as Computer-Assisted Detection (CAD).
DEXA BONE DENSITY SCANS
(Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)
A DEXA bone density exam provides an estimate of the strength of your bones.
Calcium and additional minerals are constantly being added to and taken away from bone. When minerals are taken away faster than they are added, the bones become lighter, less dense, and more porous. This makes the bones weaker and increases their risk of fracture.
Since your bone density cannot be determined from an ordinary x-ray, special bone density tests are performed to estimate what bone strength is and screen for people who are at risk for developing osteoporosis.
Our DEXA system uses a small amount of X-ray, equivalent to one-tenth the amount associated with a chest X-ray, while you lie on a comfortable table. Measurements are taken in the spine and hip areas.
STEREOTACTIC BREAST BIOPSY
Stereotactic breast biopsy is a procedure that extracts core tissue samples from abnormalities discovered during a mammogram. This procedure uses a computer to guide the physician in placing a needle at the targeted area for multiple core samples. We have a dedicated stereotactic breast biopsy machine and skilled staff.
Because early detection offers the best chance of survival, the services located in the Women's Imaging Center give local women a convenient option for preventative care.