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November 22, 2010

Would you use a typewriter if the computer was
sitting next to it?

Technology has come a long way and healthcare and imaging (x-ray) specifically has been hand in hand with those changes as well. Digital mammography (sometimes referred to as full field digital mammography) is one of those most recent advances in x-ray. It is redefining the way women’s healthcare is delivered and provides new options in breast health. Similar to analog (regular) mammography, x-rays are used to produce an image of the breast. The key role of digital mammography

is to identify breast cancer in its development when it is very small. This is often a year or two before it is large enough to be felt by your healthcare provider.

The differences between analog (regular) and digital mammography are the way the images are recorded, viewed by the radiologist (x-ray doctor) and stored. Standard mammogram images are recorded on x-ray films, developed in accredited processors which often are only in other facilities, and viewed only on view boxes. Digital mammography images are captured electronically within 8-10 seconds, stored on the computer and can be viewed by the radiologist at another location within minutes of exam completion. Because those images on stored on a computer, and can be adjusted by the radiologist, subtle differences between tissues may be noted. The radiologist has the ability to take the “stored computer image” and can easily adjust magnification, brightness of the image, and darkness or contrast can be “enhanced” to after the mammogram has been completed to help the doctor more clearly see certain areas.

Some of the advantages of digital mammography include:

• Improved contrast between dense and non dense breasts

• Faster image time resulting in less radiation exposure

• Shorter exam time which can result in less anxiety

• Easier image storage

• Physician manipulation of breast images for more accurate detection of abnormalities

• Decreased number of biopsies

• Ability to” correct” images without having to repeat them

• Ease of transmission of images from one physician to another physician

• Fewer call backs for additional views as images are seen immediately

• Ability to view large breasts with single images

In 2009, an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed as well as an estimated 62,290 additional cases of in situ breast cancer. There are two main types of in situ cancer and the majority of those are ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosed with mammography and the ability of mammography to detect cancers that are unable to be felt. It is also expected that over 1900 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2009, approximately 40,000 women died from breast cancer and over 400 men will die.
from breast cancer. Except for cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and the incidence and death rates generally increase with age.

Known risk factors for breast cancer are age, family history, age at first full term pregnancy, early menstruation, late menopause and breast density. High breast tissue density (a mammographic indicator of glandular tissue to fatty tissue in the breast) has been shown to be a strong risk factor for the development of breast cancer.

Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and most treatable. Occasionally breast cancer can spread to underarm lymph nodes and cause a lump or swelling even before a tumor is large enough to be felt. When a lump has grown to a size where it can be felt, the most common physical sign is a painless mass. Less common signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness, persistent changes to the breast such as swelling or thickening, and/or nipple abnormalities such as inversion or discharge.

Some physicians feel that digital mammography has an advantage over standard film mammography in patients with dense breast tissue. With the ability to “manipulate” the digital image, the radiologist can more clearly see any area of the breast in question.
Digital mammography has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool in women under the age of 50, women of any age who have very dense breast tissue and any women who is pre of peri menopausal.

The Oakes Community Hospital has offered digital mammograms since October of 2008.
When your provider suggests a mammogram, you have the option to obtain that study wherever you chose. For the people that love you best, choose to have a digital mammogram at the Oakes Community Hospital. Call 701-742-3619 for more information.

Addendum for Oakes Community Hospital

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is noted every October. For the month of October, you may call to schedule your Digital Mammogram without seeing a physician or having a physician order.

Medicare pays for a mammogram once per year and most insurance companies will pay for a mammogram once every calendar year. Call to find a date and time that will work best for you.

Addendum for Oakes Community Hospital, LaMoure Clinic

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is noted every October. On October 6th, you may call to schedule your Digital Mammogram without seeing a physician or having a physician order. Digital Mammograms will be NOW be available in LaMoure every month.

Medicare pays for a mammogram once per year and most insurance companies will pay for a mammogram once every calendar year. Call to find a date and time that will work best for you.