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Digital Mammography
MCD once again brings an industry first to this area by offering "Digital Mammography"
enhanced with "Computer Aided Detection" (or CAD). As a result of this, we are now able to provide women with a much better scan,
in a shorter period of time, and greater accuracy. Additionally, the need for "callbacks" or "repeat mammograms" is greatly
diminished, if not eliminated, with a Digital Mammogram at MCD.
MCD continues to make a commitment to the community by bringing a first in Digital Mammography. We are saving
lives by changing the scope of breast imaging for screening and early detection.
What makes Digital Mammography different from the older film type?
- Better visibility of the breast, particularly near the skin line, the chest wall
and in women with dense breast tissue.
- Exams that take less than half the time. An average exam can now take 10 to 15 minutes
versus 30 or more minutes for traditional film-based mammograms.
- Fewer callbacks for patients. The ability to generate images within seconds and the
flexibility to magnify and manipulate those images eliminates many of the callbacks that are necessary with traditional film-based
mammography systems.
- Electronic records of patient images mean easier retrieval and transmission
of patient information to healthcare providers.
MCD breast imaging is even further advanced with Digital Mammography through the use of "Computer Aided Detection" or CAD.
Computer aided detection (CAD) provides our radiologists with "a second pair of eyes"
when reading a woman's mammogram. Similar to a spell checker system on a personal computer, this technology has the potential to
detect findings that might otherwise be overlooked during the review process, thus increasing cancer detection.
CAD technology is especially effective in identifying calcifications, some of which can be cancerous.
Through the combination of Digital Mammography and CAD, MCD takes a major step
forward in the fight against breast cancer and will positively impact millions of women in the U.S.
In the United States alone, more than 182,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer
this year, and more than 41,000 will die as a result. We at Medical Center Diagnostics are trying to reduce these
startling statistics.
MCD takes lapsed or missed Mammography very seriously. We fax results to
each referring physician, and accompanied with a letter, we will send results to you as well.
Preparations for your Mammogram
While at MCD for your scan, an all-female staff of caring technologists will serve and help you.
Most mammograms are done as a screening exam. If breast cancer is identified, early detection improves your chances of successful
treatment. Even if you or your doctor have felt a lump in one breast, mammography may aid in detecting additional lumps or a lump in the
other breast that can go undetected by the human touch.
When symptoms are nonexistent, mammography is currently the most accurate method to detect breast disease.
Since you will be required to disrobe from the waist up, wear separate clothing.
Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, lotion or perfume as minerals in these products may distort the image.
Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time to complete the information form.
Bring your insurance information. MCD radiologists request that you bring film and reports from previous mammograms to
make an accurate diagnosis of your scan.
Please notify the technologist if you are or may be pregnant and if you are breast-feeding.
When you make your appointment, inform the scheduler if you have breast implants.
MCD wants you to know the important facts about breast cancer in the USA.
For all women, mammography screening is crucial to the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society
recommends that women begin annual screening mammography at age 40. An X-Ray technique that photographs the inside of the breast,
mammography detects lumps that are often too small or too deep to feel. The earlier cancer is detected, the better a woman's chances are
for a favorable outcome.
- Every woman is at risk for breast cancer.
- Men can develop breast cancer, too, although its incidence is low. In 2002, 1,500 men were projected to be diagnosed, and 400 to die
as a result of breast cancer.
- This year, breast cancer will be newly diagnosed every three minutes, and a woman will die from breast cancer every 13 minutes.
- Breast cancer can be detected at an early, treatable stage in women age 40 and older.
- Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women.
- In the United States, both its cause and the means for its cure remain undiscovered.
- Two million breast cancer survivors are alive in the U.S. today.
- In 2002, 203,500 new cases of female invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed, and 39,600 women were to die from the disease.
- Nearly 54,300 cases of female breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in 2002.
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for all women (after lung cancer), and the leading overall cause of cancer
death in women between the ages of 40 and 59.
- Based on the current life expectancy for women in the United States, one out of nine women will develop breast cancer in her
lifetime - an increase in risk that was one out of 14 in 1960.
- The risk of developing breast cancer increases as a woman ages, if she has a personal or family history of breast cancer, has never
had children or had her first child after age 30 and if she has had prior treatment with radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease.
However, over 70 percent of cases occur in women who have no identifiable risk factors.
- Breast cancer cannot yet be prevented. However, there is now a risk reduction option available for women at very high risk, such as
the estimated five to 10 percent of American women with multiple close blood relatives who have had the disease.
- In 1998, the drug Tamoxifen was shown to reduce breast cancer cases by 50 percent over four years in a large research study of
high-risk women. Tamoxifen is FDA-approved for use in this high-risk group; however, the drug's benefits, risks and side effects vary
for each woman, and must be thoroughly discussed with an expert physician.
- More widespread use of regular screening mammography has been a major contributor to recent improvements in the breast cancer survival
rate. A 2000 survey showed that on average, 63 percent of U.S. women age 40 and older had received a recent mammogram.
- There are approximately 34 million screening mammograms performed annually in the United States to help find breast cancer in women
without any symptoms. Another 3.3 million diagnostic mammograms are performed to help physicians learn more about breast masses or the
causes of other breast symptoms.
- The answer to prevention is in:
1. Early detection, and
2. Regular check-up
Some information above provided by the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO), http://www.nabco.org/
How to perform Breast Self Examinations In the Shower or Tub:
Put one hand behind your head.
Use the right hand for the left breast, left hand for the right breast.
Examine one breast thoroughly then examine the other.
With your fingers flat (no fingertips), glide your hand over the entire breast.
Either examine from the nipple region to the outer edge of the breasts in circles, or
examine each section of the breast in pie-shaped wedges. Check for lumps, knots or thickening.
If you are lying down to perform this procedure, place a pillow or towel under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head.
In front of a mirror, with your hands at your sides, check for visible lumps or dimpling in the skin.
Next, raise your arms above your head. Look for changes in skin texture, shape and size of your
breasts.
Follow the same technique as in the shower. Remember to use the right hand for
the left breast; left hand for right. Check for lumps, knots or thickening.
Examine every part of the breast including the underarm. Repeat on the left.
Lastly, gently squeeze the nipple of each breast, checking for any crust or
discharge.
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