Digital Mammography Arrives at St. Mary's Hospital

Long before a lump may be felt, a mammogram can be the first line of defense against breast cancer.  In late August, St. Mary's Hospital will install digital mammography, bringing the most advanced technology in the early detection of a disease that strikes one in eight women.  For patients, it will feel the same as a conventional mammogram – the difference is in the computer software.  Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it in a computer, allowing the recorded data to be enhanced, magnified or manipulated so radiologists can more easily see subtle variations between normal and abnormal areas. This differs from conventional mammography, which uses film to capture and display the image. 
With digital mammography, SMH will provide patients with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer.  Found at its earliest, most treatable stages, the five-year survival rate is better than 90 percent. That’s why early detection is so important. At St. Mary's Hospital, we fully expect this technology to make a life-saving difference. Not only is it more accurate and takes less time to complete, but one of the best advantages of digital mammography is that women are exposed to less radiation. Additionally, SMH will incorporate digital Computer-Aided Detection (CAD).  Digital CAD acts as “computerized second look” and highlights characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer.  Markers are placed on the images, which aid the radiologist in detecting early breast cancer. CAD is, in essence, a second set of eyes to support and enhance the radiologist's judgment.