All-Digital Mamograms Provide Better Clarity, Convenience

You may have already heard that Chelsea Community Hospital (CCH) now offers women the newest technology in breast cancer detection. CCH is the only hospital in Washtenaw County that is conducting each mammogram using an all-digital mammography system.

Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is viewed and, more importantly, manipulated.

“By magnifying portions of the digital X-ray image and increasing or decreasing its contrast, we’re able to identify any areas of concern while the patient is in the exam room,” says Jim Carl, MD, Radiologist at CCH. “Because we’re able to see tissue more clearly, especially in younger women or women with dense breast tissue, we’re able to evaluate potential problems earlier, when responsiveness to treatment is better,” Dr. Carl adds.

For women having a digital mammogram, the procedure itself has not changed; both digital and film mammography use compression and X-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast. Since there is no film processing, a digital mammogram takes less time to complete and usually eliminates the need to retake images due to under- or over-exposure.

“Many of the women we see comment on the convenience of the procedure. That is another one of the key patient benefits of digital mammography,” says Kathleen Raymond, Director of X-Ray/Imaging at CCH.

“The annual mammogram can be emotionally draining for a woman. Knowing that we’re using the best technology to communicate results almost immediately can help alleviate some of her concerns,” she adds. “Our use of the technology elicits confidence.”

The CCH X-Ray/Imaging Department is implementing technology to further streamline sending mammogram results to area physicians. This technology, dubbed PenRAD, allows radiologists to more easily generate mammography reports. Raymond expects this technology to be online this summer.