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Early Detection is the Key

 

Because our primary goal has always been to deliver the highest

quality care to our patients, we are adding digital mammography

to our women’s health diagnostic services.

 

We have chosen the Selenia® Dimensions® 3D digital

mammography system from Hologic, the women's health company, because we believe that it offers the best technology available. Please call our office to schedule your annual mammogram.

What is Digital Mammography With 3D Tomosynthesis

What You Need to Know

A New Ally in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

 

Breast cancer will affect an average of one in eight women sometime in their

lifetime. It is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in women.

Numerous studies prove that early detection is a vital component in the successful

treatment of breast cancer.

 

Mammograms play a central part in the early detection of breast cancer because

they can detect changes in the breast that may be early signs of cancer, but are

too small or subtle to be felt. The use of mammography has greatly enhanced the

ability to detect breast cancers at earlier stages. Now a new technology called full

field digital mammography shows great promise in the fight against breast cancer.

 

What is Full Field Digital Mammography

 

Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to

produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor,

and transmitted and stored just like computer files.

 

From a patient’s point of view, having a digital mammogram is very much like having

a conventional screen-film mammogram. Both film-based and digital mammography

use compression and x-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast.

 

During all mammography exams, the technologist positions the patient to image

the breast from different angles and compresses the breast with a paddle to obtain

optimal image quality. Unlike film-based mammography, digital mammograms

produce images that appear on the technologist’s monitor in a matter of seconds.

There is no waiting for film to develop, which can mean a shorter time spent in the

breast imaging suite.

The Benefits of Digital Mammography

 

Unlike other parts of the body, the breast is composed mainly of soft tissue.

When breast tissue is x-rayed, it creates an image that looks something like a

smoky haze, making it difficult to see tiny “spots,” called microcalcifications, and

other subtle signs of early cancer.

 

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast,

using special high-resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness,

change contrast, and zoom in for close ups of specific areas of interest. Being

able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology.

 

Another convenience of digital mammography over film-based systems is it can

greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure. This potentially

saves additional time and reduces your exposure to x-rays.

 

Because they are electronic, digital mammography images can be transmitted

quickly across a network. Digital images can also be easily stored, copied without

any loss of information, and transmitted and received in a more streamlined manner, eliminating dependence on only one set of “original” films.

An annual mammogram

is one of your best defenses

against breast cancer.

3D Mammography how it works

Your Mammogram 

what to expect

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