Mammography & Breast Imaging Services
If you are – or know any women – 40 years or older, now is the time to get a mammogram. Why? In the U.S., one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, but if detected early, it is very treatable. Trust Avera for the accuracy, comfort and peace of mind you want.
Innovative Breast Imaging Technology
Take advantage of Avera’s comprehensive breast program with the latest screening and diagnostic technology. At many Avera facilities you’ll also find enhanced comfort through the use of Bella Blankets® which provides a softer, warmer surface between you and the mammography unit. We offer multiple locations for your imaging needs to accommodate your busy schedule.
Avera Breast Center is recognized by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for excellence in care. You are in great hands with our highly-trained and certified team of mammography technicians.
Mammography – Key to Early Detection
Mammograms detect changes in the breast that may indicate early signs of cancer too small or subtle to be felt by self-exams. Count on Avera’s innovative digital mammography and 3-D technology to provide clearer views from multiple angles.
Patients will complete a survey at the time of their mammogram to create a risk assessment score for breast cancer to ensure you can take the proper steps to prevent breast cancer. The score will be shared with both you and your provider and is part of the cost of your preventive screening mammogram.
Learn how to prepare for your mammogram.
3-D Mammography
With 3-D technology, the machine moves around the breast in an arc to create snapshots of the breast tissue in thin layers. These enhanced images offer benefits such as:
- Earlier detection of small breast cancers that may not be felt on self-exams
- Clearer images of dense breast tissue
- Greater accuracy in pinpointing size and location
Mammography Computer-Aided Detection (CAD)
With Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) technology at Avera, a second set of “eyes” analyzes your mammography images. When used in conjunction with mammography, CAD helps identify areas of concern, so physicians can more easily detect cancer at its earliest stages.
Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM)
If the results from your recent mammogram were inconclusive due to dense breast tissue, count on contrast enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) to serve as a secondary tool in determining the presence or absence of breast cancer.
CESM works by using contrast uptake to highlight areas of abnormal blood flow or lesions within the breast. With the enhanced images, physicians can quickly see and diagnose an area of concern or relieve anxiety when there are negative findings.
Breast Ultrasound & Biopsy
Should your mammogram results show a questionable area, ultrasound imaging may offer an additional diagnostic tool. When an ultrasound examination cannot capture the nature of a breast abnormality, your physician may choose to perform an ultrasound or stereotactic-guided biopsy.
Breast MRI
In addition to mammography, your physician may recommend breast MRI to locate areas of concern within the breast by creating images with a large, powerful magnet instead of X-rays.
Mobile, 3-D Mammography for Every Woman Everywhere
Experience private, comfortable and convenient screenings in your community or business site through mobile, 3-D mammography from Avera. Our mobile units travel throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota to offer accredited and FDA-certified digital mammography services by registered female mammographers.
Breast Screening Recommendations
Give yourself the best opportunity to catch breast cancer at its earliest stages by following the breast screening recommendations of your provider, including mammograms beginning at age 40, clinical breast exams and self-breast exams.
