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Digital MammographyAt Hastings Imaging Center, not only can our digital mammography save more lives, it also makes getting a mammogram faster, easier and more comfortable than ever before. We have warmed robes and use special soft pads to create a warmer, softer surface between the woman and the mammography machine. All of the female technologists performing mammography have advanced certification by the American Association of Registered Technologists. The center is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology. Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for examination It is recommended that women age 40 and older should have mammogram's every year. Women who are at higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care provider about whether to have mammogram's before age 40 and how often to have them. It is important to remember that age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. The older a woman is, the greater her chance of developing breast cancer. Mammography cannot be used alone to evaluate for breast cancer. Every woman should get regular exams by their physician and do self breast exams. Findings on mammography may be indeterminate and lead to more specific tests, such as extra anemographic views, ultrasound or breast MRI. SCREENING MAMMOGRAMA screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. Mammogram's make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Mammogram's can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer. DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAMA diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, skin thickening, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram also may be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants. A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technologist may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Digital Mammography versus Film Screen Mammography (non-digital)Both digital and film mammography use X-rays to produce an image of the breast. In film mammography, which has been used for over 35 years, the image is created directly on a film. While standard film mammography is very good, it is less sensitive for women who have dense breasts. Prior studies have suggested that approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of breast cancers that were detected by breast self-examination or physical examination are not visible on film mammography. A major limitation of film mammography is the film itself. Once a film mammogram is obtained, it cannot be significantly altered; if the film is underexposed, for example, contrast is lost and cannot be regained.
Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly in a computer. Digital mammography uses less radiation than film mammography. In addition, this imaging technique has reduced image artifacts. Because of the digital acquisition and processing, digital mammography allows for fewer repeat images. It also allows improvement in image storage and transmission because images can be stored and sent electronically. Radiologists also can use software to help interpret digital mammograms (see Computer Aided Detection)
Digital mammography is recommended in screening women who fit any of these three categories:
A large percentage of women who undergo screening mammography may fall into one or more of these subgroups. In fact, in the DMIST trial, 65% of women were within at least one of these groups. The DMIST study was organized by The American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN). ACRIN is a Cooperative Group sponsored by the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Computer Aided Detection (CAD)Hastings Imaging Center utilizes state of the art CAD technology to assist the Radiologist in detecting suspicious areas on mammograms. These computers act as a second set of “eyes”, and display marks on the patient’s images it “thinks” the Radiologist should examine especially closely. Studies have shown that including CAD in the interpretation of mammography increases the detection of breast cancer by as much as 20%. Breast ImplantsWomen with breast implants should continue to have mammograms. (A woman who had an implant following breast cancer surgery should ask her doctor whether a mammogram of the reconstructed breast is necessary.) It is important to inform the mammography facility about breast implants when scheduling a mammogram. More time is usually allotted since additional images are necessary. Implants can hide some breast tissue, making it more difficult for the radiologist to detect an abnormality on the mammogram. All of the technologists at Hastings Imaging Center are very experienced in imaging women with breast implants. If the main clinical concern is implant rupture, breast MRI is the best exam. A special series of MRI sequences are done depending on the type of implant. It is very important to tell the MRI technologists which type of implants you have and when they were put in. This type of breast MRI exam is different than the breast MRI to look for cancer. Instructions for mammography:
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of the breasts. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.
radiologists will use your previous films for comparison. This is very helpful in determining if the pattern of breast tissue has changed over time.
