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Pendleton Community Care offers diagnostic x-rays that range from your head to your toes.

40+ years

Since our first health center opened in 1982, we have provided our patients with timely, affordable and quality care.
Radiology

Services

Radiography, or, as it is most commonly known, x-ray, is the most common form of medical imaging. It is the easiest and fastest way to assess broken bones or injuries.

All General Radiology tests require a Physician’s order.

Pendleton Community Care Mammography offers:

  • State-of-the-art digital mammography equipment

  • Comfortable and relaxing facility

  • Registered and licensed mammography technicians

  • Accredited by the American College of Radiology

Call 304.358.2355 to schedule an appointment for mammography or click here to request an appointment via the internet.

Avoid scheduling your mammogram during the week prior to your menstrual period to avoid any breast swelling and tenderness that may occur just before your period. Plan to bring previous mammograms if performed elsewhere. If you are unable to bring films, please arrange to have the actual films sent to us.

Ten days prior to your exam, abstain from caffeine as it has a tendency to make breasts more tender and lumpy. Decaffeinated coffee, tea and caffeine-free soft drinks can be substituted. Avoid taking medications that contain caffeine, such as some over-the-counter pain relievers, diet aids, cough and cold medications or reviving aids. Check with your physician on prescription medications.

Wear a blouse or sweater rather than a dress to make it easier to undress. You will be given a gown to wear. Do not use any deodorant, powder, perfume, creams or lotions in your underarm or breast area because they leave a residue that may be picked up on the x-ray and possibly interfere with the mammogram results.

Compared to the older analog (film) methods, digital mammograms offer advantages for detecting breast cancer, especially in women younger than 50, women who are perimenopausal, or have dense breast tissue. Digital images are sent to a computer instead of film and are easily stored and retrieved. The technologist has the ability to review images immediately to determine quality so patients spend less time in the exam room. The radiologist can magnify the images and change contrast or brightness providing more information for diagnosis. With digital there is also better visibility at the skin line. Computer aided technology (CAD) is built right in. CAD flags abnormalities and is, in essence, a second set of eyes to the radiologist.

The entire process for a mammography examination takes about half an hour and is performed by a female radiologic technologist. During the procedure, your breast will be placed on a ledge that will be adjusted to your height. Your breast will be gently compressed so that all the tissue can be seen.

Compression may be uncomfortable for some women, but it is essential in order to get an accurate x-ray. Compression is not harmful and will not damage breast tissue. Two projections are taken of each breast: one from the top and another from the side. Each exposure takes only a few seconds.

Early Detection

One of every eight American women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. There is no known prevention of breast cancer, but if it is found early and treated, there is a good chance of a complete cure. That’s why it’s so important for all women to commit to three breast cancer detection practices:

Monthly Breast Self Exam (BSE). You are in the best position to detect a lump or other changes in your breasts. It is best to perform BSE every month, 10–14 days after your period. If you’re menopausal, choose a day you’ll remember each month.

For step by step instructions on how to perform your monthly breast self-exam, click here.

Please talk to your provider to see if you should get a breast exam, pap test, and pelvic exam as part of your yearly visit.

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast that detects 90 percent of all breast cancers, usually well before a lump can be felt. It is widely recognized as the best diagnostic tool in detecting breast cancer. There are two general types of mammography: screening and diagnostic. Screening exams are for women without any symptoms of breast problems.

Diagnostic mammography is for women with symptoms of breast problems. It is also used to further investigate abnormal or suspicious screening mammograms.

  • Two-thirds of all breast cancer patients are over age 50
  • Family history
  • Starting your period before age 12
  • Never having given birth, or delaying childbirth until after 30
  • Starting menopause after age 55

However, most women diagnosed with breast cancer have none of these risk factors, so it is critical that all women be vigilant and dedicated to early detection practices.

  • A lump or thickening in the breast
  • Puckering or dimpling of the breast
  • Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
  • Change in the shape or size of the breast
  • Enlargement of the lymph nodes and increased swelling of the underarm

If you notice any of these signs, contact your physician immediately.

After Your Exam

A radiologist studies the mammogram, and within a few days sends a report to your primary care physician. Women who have normal mammograms also are notified by mail. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of the exams fall in the normal category. Less than one percent of the exams are suspicious for cancer. This leaves approximately 10 to 15 percent of the exams, which are abnormal, but of very low suspicion of cancer.

For many women, the time between receiving a notification of an abnormal mammogram and subsequent diagnosis is stressful. Fortunately, less than one out of 20 of these abnormal mammograms ultimately turn out to require surgical biopsy. Of those that do need biopsy, only one out of four is cancerous.

A report will be sent to your doctor with the radiologist’s interpretation of the mammogram as well as a recommendation for follow-up mammograms based on your age, past history and the findings on your mammogram.

A report will be sent to your doctor along with recommendation for possible biopsy or surgical consultation. Fortunately, this is uncommon.

For approximately 10 to 15 percent of women, further evaluation is necessary. This may include additional diagnostic mammograms under the direction of a radiologist. These allow any questionable areas to be more fully evaluated. Ultrasound of the breast (a painless procedure) may be used to tell if a mass seen on a mammography is solid or liquid-filled (cystic). A cyst is rarely cancerous.

TESTIMONIALS

Read what others have to say about PCC.

“I am eternally grateful for the fantastic pharmacists and staff at the Pillbox Pharmacy. The attention to detail and care for patient safety and knowledge is exceptional.”

Jess Felici

“Pendleton Community Care treated our whole family with tender love and care! It is great to get such wonderful care in this rural county.”

Rosey Santerre

“Pendleton Community Care employs good and caring people that are dedicated to helping others.”

Jan Underwood

“They worked our family in right away even though we had never been there before. We received great care quickly.”

Felicia Harper Cook

“Can you imagine Pendleton County without this amazing clinic? We love everything about this awesome clinic and their amazing staff!”

Lisa Anderson
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Self Scheduling

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Mammogram

Click below to schedule your Mammogram appointment.