Dr. Gerald E. Posner Center for Women’s Health
Women’s Imaging & Diagnostic Services in St. Landry Parish
The Dr. Gerald E. Posner Center for Women’s Health is a state-of-the-art outpatient facility designed to meet diagnostic and imaging needs for women in St. Landry Parish and the surrounding areas. Here you will find highly trained technologists who work under the direct supervision of board certified radiologists.
Diagnostic services available:
- Ultrasound
- Mammography-Mammomat Revelation
- Bone Density
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
- Ultrasound Guided Biopsy
- RADAR Placement/Needle Localization
About the Posner Center
The Posner Center is located on the first floor of the Women’s Health Center (OGHS Main Campus). This facility was designed for both patient comfort and medical efficiency. Radiologists found onsite perform tests, analyze results, and consult with patients. We know that you want your results back as soon as possible, which is why all tests are analyzed and ready for review within 24 hours.
Imaging services are extremely valuable for women throughout all stages of life. Many of the biggest health problems that women face can be caught and treated in the early stages with imaging services. This includes breast cancer, gynecological cancers, and osteoporosis. The Posner Center was created to help women at risk for life-threatening diseases take an active role in preventing and treating these conditions.
When Should You Get Your Mammogram?
These guidelines are for women at average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30. (See below for guidelines for women at high risk.)
- Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
- All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do.
Clinical breast exams are not recommended for breast cancer screening among average-risk women at any age.
Breast Health Navigator Program
Our Breast Health Navigator is here to provide personalized assistance to you, your family and caregivers. Your navigator is a Registered Nurse (RN) who specializes in women’s health. She will help you from abnormal mammograms through all phases of diagnostic testing and treatment if needed. Learn More.
Free Mammograms
The Opelousas General Health System Foundation offers free mammograms through our "Paint the Town Pink" initiative, to men and women in our community who meet specific qualifications. Learn more here.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
While lumps or abnormalities are often detected by physical examination, mammography or other imaging studies, it's not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous. The Posner Center offers the most sophisticated minimally invasive technology available for determining if you are at risk for breast cancer.
Advantages of stereotactic breast biopsy include:
- Less invasive than surgical biopsy
- A way to evaluate tiny masses not visible on ultrasound
- Performed on an outpatient basis
- Results are as accurate as surgically removed tissue
- Brief recovery time
A special digital mammography unit is used to perform a stereotactic breast biopsy. Stereotactic mammography pinpoints the exact location of a breast mass by using a computer and e-rays taken from two different angles, the radiologist then inserts a needle through the skin, advancing it into the lesion and removes the tissue samples. Patients experience little or no discomfort during the procedure. An OGHS pathologist then examines the removed specimen and makes a final diagnosis.
To schedule an appointment, call (337) 943-7107.
