Digital mammography available in April
Because the hospital's primary goal has always been to deliver the highest quality care to its pateints, the hospital is adding digital mammography to its women's health diagnostic services.
"We are the first healthcare facility in the greater northeast region of ND to feature this state-of-the-art system. Selenia Digital Mammography from Hologic," states Lawrence Blue, CEO of Cavalier County Memorial Hospital.
Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digitial detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor, and transmitted and stored just like computer files. Because they are electronic, digital mammography images can be transmitted quickly across a network.
Unlike film-based mammography, digitial mammograms produce images that appear on the technologist's monitor in a matter of seconds. There is no waiting for film to develop.
From a patient's point of view, having a digital mammogram is very much like having a conventional screen-film mammogram. Both 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.
With digital mammography, the radioligst reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors. The physicians 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.
To supplement this technology, CCMH has incorporated digital computer aided detection (CAD), which highlights characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer. CAD is, in essence, a second set of eyes to support and enhance the radiologist's judgment.
Contact Pat Bredeson, Ragiology Manager at 701-256-6100 for more information.
(Information from Cavalier County Republican and Hologic)
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