The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute is improving breast health services with a digital mammography unit.
The Senographe 2000-D captures images with a digital detector. The unit, developed by GE Medical Systems, differs from the film screen method which uses film to capture images.
“For patients, the procedure is not much different,” said Sandy Conrad, supervisor for mammography services. ” We still use compression and four views of the breast are taken.”
One benefit of using the digital mammography unit is breast images can be processed and immediately brought up on a monitor. There is no film processing involved. They can then be sent to radiology review work stations and read on a monitor.
Conrad said another benefit is that eventually, doctors will be able to use the units in their offices. Because the images can be brought up on a monitor, doctors and radiologists can discuss the patient care via conference call. At the same time, every of them can look at images.
“Radiologists can also manipulate the images of the breast using the digital unit,” Conrad said.
This is a benefit for doctors and patients, because radiologists can magnify the images and will not have to take as many views of the breast.
This is the first digital mammography unit in central Ohio. There are two units in Lima, Ohio, but nowhere else in the state.
The unit will be used at JamesCare in Dublin, Ohio. JamesCare is a women’s comprehensive breast care center and is part of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital.
