BCMH offers high tech approach to mammography

One in seven women is diagnosed with breast cancer. Being a woman is the number one risk factor for breast cancer.

• Your breast cancer risk increases as you get older.

• Although breast cancer is more common in women over the age of forty, younger women can also develop breast cancer.

• Women’s Breast Health is an ongoing concern at Bates County Memorial Hospital. BCMH has been a leader in advancement of mammographic technique with the purchase of a LoRad Selenia Digital Mammography unit. Computer Aided Detection(CAD) was added to our arsenal against breast disease. CAD is a computer generated program that provides a second look after the radiologist does his initial assessment. The use of these technologies has enabled us to diagnose very small early stage cancers. This allows our patients a much better prognosis and treatment of their disease.

Digital Mammography - From the patient’s point of view, a digital mammogram is like traditional film screen mammography. Both use x-rays to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert x-ray energy into digital data. The technology is remarkable because the radiologist can then view and manipulate the images on a high-resolution computer monitor that enhances visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. The radiologist can also adjust brightness and contrast, and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses, and other changes that may be signs of early cancer.

Because there is no waiting for x-ray films to be developed, digital mammograms can significantly reduce the time patients spend in their mammography appointment, as well as reducing the need for repeat examinations and additional views common with film screen mammograms.

Stereotactic Biopsyis available at Bates County Memorial Hospital. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. A Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is the most accurate, efficient and minimally-invasive biopsy technique. This out-patient procedure allows patients to immediately resume normal activities, requires only a small incision while minimizing discomfort. It also gives physicians the ability to place a Tissue Marker in the breast for future follow-up.