Digital Mammography

A new technology called Full-Field Digital Mammography has made the mammogram an even more powerful tool in the battle against breast cancer.

Mammography is the best test to detect early breast cancer and is the only test proven to reduce the death rate of breast cancer. When detected early, the “cure rate” is greater than 90%. Digital mammography is a new state-of-the-art technique to detect breast cancer.

The Elkhart General Breast Care Center is one of the first facilities in the State of Indiana to offer Full-Field Digital Mammography to all women. Provided in the confidential, comfortable atmosphere of Elkhart General’s new West Wing will benefit from:

• Faster examination times
• Reduced likelihood of being called back for additional images
• Imaging of women of all breast sizes without the need for unnecessary extra images
• Decreased radiation doses
• Immediate, rapid viewing of images by an on-site radiologist for all diagnostic mammograms.

For more information on the Breast Center, please call (574) 523-7842. To schedule an appointment, please call (574) 523-3444.

The Benefits of Digital Mammography

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

LORAD Mammography Systems

Digital mammography is such a new modality that it is not widely available at this time. Because our primary goal has always been to deliver the highest quality care to our patients, we have added digital mammography to our women’s diagnostic services.

We have chosen a LORAD Selenia digital mammography system to add to our comprehensive breast health program. LORAD and their parent company, Hologic, are two of the most respected names in women’s health.

We believe the LORAD Selenia digital mammography system offers the latest and best technology in this new field.

To learn more, visit the Hologic web site.

Computer Aided Detection (CAD) for Mammography

R2 Technology introduced computer aided detection (CAD) to radiology, revolutionizing the challenge of early detection for mammography.

Using CAD algorithms, the ImageChecker applications examine a study, automatically highlighting potential areas of interest in both film and digital mammograms to provide innovative tools for earlier detection of cancers.

Most importantly, R2’s CAD technology has been proven to increase the detection of breast cancers. The simple goal is to provide innovative tools for earlier detection of breast cancers. It eliminates the need for second reading of mammograms by a radiologist and offers a second opinion.

Mammo Breast Pad

Many women experience pain and discomfort while the breast is compressed during screening mammography. Not surprisingly, pain has been reported as an important reason women fail to comply with annual screening recommendations.

Until recently, attempts to decrease the pain associated with compression during mammography have focused on cognitive behavioral techniques and patient counseling. Recently, a compliant radiolucent pad has become available specifically for use during mammography, in an attempt to reduce the pain and discomfort during compression.

Available at the Breast Care Center, the single use, Woman’s Touch® MammoPad® breast cushion places a soft, warm and protective surface between the breast and the mammography machine – which can significantly increase a woman’s comfort. It’s like adding a woman’s touch to the procedure itself.

Please ask for a single use, Woman’s Touch® MammoPad® breast cushion at your next appointment.

To Learn More

For more information on the Breast Center, please call (574) 523-7842. To schedule an appointment, please call (574) 523-3444.