DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY WITH COMPUTER-AIDED DETECTION

At Lourdes, women's imaging is planned with our patients' needs in mind. We offer digital mammography, advanced technology that uses less radiation than film mammography, increases early breast cancer detection and decreases recall rates. Lourdes state-of-the-art computerized mammograms are a marked improvement from the traditional films still used in many settings.  Digital mammography offers a number of practical advantages and patient conveniences:

• Exams take less than half the time compared to traditional film-based mammograms.
• The ergonomic paddle shapes to the breast optimizing the tissue for imaging
• Patients experience improved comfort compared to traditional mammograms because compression speed of the paddle slows when coming into contact with the breast
• Equipment design allows for easy and relaxed patient positions during the exam
• Better visibility of the breast is provided, particularly near the skin line, the chest wall, and in women with dense breast tissue
• Consistent image quality for screening, diagnosis, and interventional procedures is provided
• Computer-aided detection improves early detection rates by as much as 25 percent.

Computer-aided detection, also called CAD, uses a computer to analyze mammograms. It does not replace the board certified radiologist but merely serves as a "second opinion" for the physician. CAD can alert the physician to take a closer look at subtle warning signs that might easily be missed.    

Mammography is the best way to detect breast cancer at the early, treatable stages of the disease. The American Cancer Society recommends that women in their 20s and 30s have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular health screening, at least every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam every year. Our registered technologist, who is certified in mammography, will perform your mammogram. Our mammography department is accredited by the FDA and the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Before your examination

• Try to schedule your mammogram for the week following your menstrual period when your breasts are less tender.
• Wear a two-piece outfit, so you will only have to remove your top.
• Do not apply deodorant, powder, ointment, or cream to your chest area the day of your exam. These products can show up on the x-ray image and make them difficult to interpret.

During your examination

Our technologist will ask you to stand in front of the mammography unit. One of your breasts will be placed on a small platform attached to the machine. Your breast will then be gradually compressed. For screening mammography, two images are taken of the breast, one from the top and one from the side. The examination is then repeated on the other breast.

Actual compression time is only a few seconds, and you may experience slight discomfort, but it should not hurt.

After your examination

A board certified radiologist will interpret the images and a report will be sent to your physician no later than the next business day.  For your convenience, we can also schedule bone densitometry at the time of your annual mammogram.

All digital mammography is done in a quiet, private setting located in our Marshall Nemer Pavilion. We offer flexible hours to meet your needs.  For more information, call us at 270-444-2175.  To schedule your mammogram, call Central Scheduling at 270-444-2121 or contact your physician.