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April 14, 2009
Hospital News
Digital mammography has been added to the comprehensive diagnostic services for early detection of breast cancer at Harton Regional Medical Center. Selenia™ digital mammography from Hologic® incorporates revolutionary imaging technology that provides incredibly sharp images and very low dose radiation.
From the patient’s point of view, a digital mammogram is like traditional film screen mammography. Both use x-ray to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert x-ray energy into a digital image. The resulting digital images are immediately available to the radiologist for diagnosis.
The radiologists can view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. They can also adjust brightness and contrast, and zoom in on specific areas in question and on other changes that may be signs of early cancer. “Digital Mammography yields better visualization of microcalcifications and better evaluation of breast tissue in women with dense breasts enabling better detection of masses,” according to Dr. Stan Birdwell, Medical Director of The Breast Center.
Digital mammography offers a number of other practical advantages and patient conveniences. Because there is no waiting for film to be developed, patients spend less time in The Breast Center. The need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure and patient motion is reduced, reducing the chance that the patient will be recalled following her screening mammogram. Digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically, eliminating the dependency on one set of original films.
In conjunction with the digital mammography at Harton Regional Medical Center, the mammogram will be evaluated by Computer-Aided Detection. The CAD system provides a “second read” of the mammogram by a computer. This assists the radiologist in making an earlier diagnosis.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics demonstrate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97%.
Screening mammograms may be performed without a physician’s order and to schedule a mammogram please call 931-461-4800. If you have questions about digital mammography or other services available through Harton’s Breast Center, please call 931.393-7984.
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