Digital Mammography: A New Weapon in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer-the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Numerous studies prove that early detection is key in winning the battle against breast cancer with mammograms being the most effective weapon of choice because they can detect lumps too small to be felt that may be early signs of cancer. Today, a new technology called digital mammography is being added to the arsenal as a formidable weapon in the fight against breast cancer.

"Mammography is a wonderful screening tool and is designed to complement the physical exam," explains Horatio V. Cabasares, surgeon and Chief of Staff of Perry Hospital who specializes in diseases of the breast. "However, regular film mammography is less effective in younger women for both early detection and diagnosing because their breasts tend to be more dense than those of older women, making it difficult to detect a tumor."

According to the American Cancer Society, the evidence supporting mammograms for early detection of breast cancer is even stronger today than in the past, particularly for women age 40 and older; however, regular film mammograms are not perfect and can sometimes provide false negative or false positive readings depending on the density of the breast tissue. Recent studies show digital mammography can be more accurate as a cancer screening tool in younger women with dense breasts, or approximately 60 percent of women under the age of 50, as well as women who are pre-menopausal or peri-menopausal, or 40 percent of women older than age 50.

"Digital mammography produces a higher image quality than film which can enable us to possibly detect cancer much earlier in women who meet certain criteria," adds Dr. Cabasares. "Mammograms-whether done digitally or with conventional film-are not perfect, but both forms of mammography play a critical role in diagnosing breast cancer, especially in detecting lumps that cannot be felt."

Unlike conventional film mammography, digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a computer monitor. "One of the main benefits of digital technology is the ability to manipulate images," states Tim Sisco, Director of Houston Healthcare's Imaging Services. "The radiologist can adjust the brightness, change the contrast, and zoom in for a closer look at specific areas of interest on the image. Another advantage over traditional film-based systems is digital technology can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure of the film. The images can also be transmitted and stored similar to computer files."

From a patient's perspective, having a digital mammogram is very similar to a regular film mammogram, says Kendra Brown, BSRT(R), Manager of Houston Healthcare's Pavilion Diagnostic Center. "Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and x-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast," she says. "During all mammography exams, the technologist positions the patient to image the breast from various angles and compresses the breast in order to produce a quality image. The significant difference is that with digital mammograms, the images produced appear on the technologist's monitor within seconds. There is no waiting for film to develop, which can mean less time spent in the breast imaging suite for the patient."

Houston Healthcare will introduce digital mammography at the Pavilion Diagnostic Center in late October. As with all new technology, please be advised that wait times may increase due to demand, but every effort will be made to accommodate all patients. For more information or to schedule a digital mammogram, please call (478) 322-5175.