Did you know that Breastnet offers Bone Density Testing (DEXA)
to both men and women along with mammograms, breast ultrasounds
and breast biopsies? Recently, many paitents have told us they were not
aware we offered this service.
Bone Density Testing is a non-invasive exam that measures
bone mass, which is the amount of bone tissue in the skeleton,
to determine a person's risk for getting osteoporosis.
Through a simple test of the hip and spine, this gold
standard of testing produces accurate, reproducible results.
Osteoporosis is a condition that is most commonly
experienced by elderly individuals, but can be seen
in young adults too. According to the National
Institutes of Health, more than 25 million people
are affected by osteoporosis, 80 percent of them being
women. Osteoporosis can lead to increased risk of
fracture with minor trauma from activities such as
lifting, bending and minor impact. If you have not
had a Bone DEXA and are menopausal, we can schedule
this at the time of your mammogram.
When a young adult does not achieve her ideal peak
bone mass, she may develop osteoporosis at a much
earlier age. It is therefore important to determine
the baseline status of bone density in the perimenopausal
period. If you have a normal baseline bone density, a
follow-up exam one to two years after your last period
(menopause) will determine if you are likely to become,
or are, osteoporotic.
When you call Breastnet for your next mammogram, be
sure to ask our Front Desk Coordinator about Bone
Density Testing. We can schedule both exams on the
same day and, of course, a written report and
explanation of the results at the time of the exam will be available.
