News
Digital Imaging TechnologyPosted on Sep 28, 2005
Glen Mills, PA-October 10, 2005-Southeast Medical Imaging at Brinton Lake (SMI) installed a new mammography system that will help physicians detect and diagnose breast cancer patients earlier and more accurately. This system called the GE Senographe 2000D full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system is designed and manufactured by GE Healthcare to provide physicians with clear and precise all-digital images rather than on X-ray film.
“Now patients in our region have a new and powerful tool in the detection and fight against breast cancer,” explains SMI’s Co-Medical Director, Lisa A. Collazzo, M.D. “This new system will revolutionize breast care. It allows us to offer our patients state-of-the-art mammograms that are faster and easier than before. It also gives our referring physicians more accurate images to use in diagnosis.”
In 2003, breast cancer struck more than 200,000 times and claimed more than 40,000 lives, according to the American Cancer Society. In the US, women currently have a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of getting breast cancer.
“This new digital technology will help us provide the most advanced care for our patients, because a precise diagnosis is the first step toward getting a patient treatment and on the plan to good health,” said Dr. Collazzo.
There are many advantages to a digital system. The images are clear and easy to read and it offers a better view of the breast, especially near the skin line, chest wall, and in women with all breast tissue types. The image is ready to read within ten seconds and there is no longer the wait for films to be developed to be sure the images are usable. The digital mammogram takes as little as half the time of a film mammogram. If a second opinion is needed, the image can be sent electronically to a second doctor, and can then be printed on film for review.
The American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) has completed the largest cancer screening trial in history. The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial enrolled more than 49,500 women in 35 centers in the United States and Canada four years ago to determine whether digital mammography can detect breast cancer as well as or better than the gold standard of conventional screen-film mammography. There were three groups that showed better detection rates-women with dense breasts, women under 50, and pre and peri-menopausal women. In those groups that typically make up 60% of the population, 27% more cancers were found.
Dr. Amy Wilson, Director of Breast Imaging is very excited about having the capability of providing the patients at SMI with the state-of-the-art Digital Mammography with Computer Aided Detection (CAD). “A recent multi-institutional trial concluded that Digital Mammography is superior to conventional screen film mammography in women with dense breasts, and for those under age 50. It will also allow for a quicker routine visit since technologists can check the images immediately after being obtained, without waiting for film processing. And, because Mammographers can manipulate the images during the reading process, fewer unnecessary return visits or call backs will be needed. The addition of CAD will be like a second pair of eyes for both routine AND diagnostic studies. This combination of radiologists reading along with CAD has been shown to increase cancer detection rates.”
The GE Senographe 2000D full-field digital mammography system is designed and manufactured by GE Healthcare, a leading provider of healthcare’s most advanced diagnostic imaging and information systems. To learn more about GE Healthcare, please visit them on the web at gehealthcare.com
Southeast Medical Imaging is a full-modality out-patient imaging center with state-of-the-art equipment. We also have a women’s imaging center that includes Digital Mammography, Breast Ultrasound, and DEXA (bone density). Our radiologists and staff hope to be your first choice for your radiology needs in Chester and Delaware County and we look forward to serving you soon.
For more information, please contact Southeast Medical Imaging at 610.579.3500.