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Northwest Hospital'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 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.