| Northwest Hospital Center�s Herman and Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center in
Randallstown now offers full-field digital mammography �one of the most advanced
technologies available to detect breast cancer-- as a part of its breast care
services.
Full-field digital mammography has revolutionized the practice of mammography
by providing a crisper, sharper, image that increases the diagnostic information
the radiologist needs in detecting cancers and breast abnormalities. The
center�s digital unit has other advanced applications such as automated
computer-generated diagnosis, which will further improve the accuracy and
sensitivity in picking up small cancers.
"Digital provides our patients with the best image possible," said Liba
Goldblum, M.D., radiologist at the Samuelson Breast Care Center. "Image quality
with digital technology gives us the potential for significant improvements in
breast cancer diagnosis, including a lower radiation dose than screen-film
imaging."
Women who are under the age of 50, are pre- or peri-menopausal, or have dense
breast tissue benefit by having a mammogram at a facility that offers digital
mammography, because digital mammography increases the chances of finding
cancer, especially invasive cancer.
"Digital mammography makes us more patient focused than ever before," said
Arlene Keyser, imaging manager at Northwest Hospital. "This equipment enables us
to see more patients, which will mean that we will discover more cancers much
sooner."
The difference between traditional screen-film imaging and new full-field
digital mammography is similar to the differences between film and digital
photos. Like a 35-millimeter camera, analog equipment uses film for each image.
Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it
directly into a computer, where it can be interpreted and sent to another
location for review, if necessary.
Digital mammography also expedites the patient�s exam time. A technologist
will be able to tell the patient while she is still in the room if there is a
need for additional views. As with any type of cancer, early detection is the
key to catching tumors early to effectively treat and cure them.
The National Cancer Society guidelines recommend annual mammograms beginning
at age 40 for all women. However, breast cancer detection should start at a much
earlier age. Women by age 20 should start monthly breast self-exams. A clinical
breast exam should be preformed by a physician at least every three years for
women in their 20�s and 30�s. Women over the age of 40 should receive a clinical
breast exam once a year in addition to a screening mammogram.
The Herman and Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center has been providing
state-of-the-art breast care services to women at Northwest Hospital for 20
years.
In addition to providing digital mammography to
patients, the Herman and Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center is also certified as a Softer Mammogram provider and
offers Mammopad�, an FDA-cleared foam cushion that dramatically eases the discomfort many
women feel when they get a mammogram. Other services available
at the Samuelson Breast Care Center include screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound,
breast biopsy, breast MRI, and bone density screening to detect
osteoporosis.
The Herman and Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center has convenient hours
Monday through Saturday. For more information about services or to schedule an
appointment, call 410-521-5913.
Northwest Hospital Center is a member of LifeBridge Health, a regional health
organization, which includes Sinai Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center
and Hospital, Jewish Convalescent & Nursing Home, and related subsidiaries
and affiliates.
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