A new, non-invasive test provided at only a few centers nationwide preformed early in pregnancy to identify down syndrome in a young fetus for patients at a higher risk.
Digital Mammography
Digital mammography vs. film mammography
The study showed that digital mammography was significantly better that film mammography in screening women who were under age 50, or women of any age who had very dense breasts.
Digital mammography allows improvement in image storage and transmission because images can be stored and sent electronically.
Secondary goals measuring the relative cost-effectiveness of both digital and film technologies, and the effect on participant quality of life due to the expected reduction of false positives are still being assessed and will be reported at a later date.
Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1990, and these decreases are believed to be the result, in part, or earlier detection and improved treatment.
Digital Mammography
Our top of the line hologic digital mammography systems allow for sharp, detailed images with superior resolution and reduced exposure and compression time. The fully automatic, self adjusting, self releasing tilt compression paddle compression paddle conforms to the natural contour of the breast, making positioning easier and offering incomparable patient comfort.
Do not wear lotion, perfume, deodorant, or powder the day of exam. If new patient, bring previous mammogram films and report.
Do not schedule one week before menstrual period.
Mammography Screening Guidelines
Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women other than skin cancer, is a frightening disease. Although there has been a decline in the rate of deaths from breast cancer in recent years, it is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer.
Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves the chances for successful treatment.
When breast cancer is detected before it has spread to lymph nodes or to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 100%.
Methods for early detection of breast cancer include breast clinical examinations by a health care professional, and mammography. In most cases, mammography can identify an abnormal breast mass as much as two years before it can be detected by touch.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for breast cancer screening in women who have no symptoms of breast cancer:
Recommendation
Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast examination by a health care professional every 3 years.
Beginning at age 40, women should have a clinical breast examination by a health care professional every year.
Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
Women at a greater than 20% lifetime risk (high risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. The American Cancer Society recommends that this screening program should begin at age 30 and continue for as long as a women is in good health; however, there is limited evidence about the best age to start screening. Women who have been determined to be at high risk should consult their health care provider to decide on the right screening regimen for them, taking personal circumstances and preferences into consideration.
Women at a 15% to 20% lifetime risk (moderate risk) should talk with their health care providers about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram.
Breast self examination is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of a BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
Please visit the American Cancer Society web site for more detailed information about their guidelines for breast cancer screening.
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.
The study showed that digital mammography was significantly better that film mammography in screening women who were under age 50, or women of any age who had very dense breasts.
