Computer-Aided Detection System (CAD)

New technology for greater peace-of-mind

Southcoast Hospitals mammography sites are the first in the region to install new, computerized technology that increases our ability to detect breast cancer at a very early stage.

The CAD system functions as an additional mammography reading, digitizing a mammography exam and actually pinpointing suspicious areas that might require additional testing. Studies have shown that the CAD system can increase detection of very early stage breast cancer by as much as 23 percent, over standard mammography alone.

CAD has also proven very useful in mammography exams involving dense breast tissue — which is often present in pre-menopausal women.

CAD is now in use for all mammograms at all of our sites, including Charlton, St. Luke's, Tobey, the Center for Women's Health, Linden Tree Health Center in Rhode Island and radiology services at the Truesdale Clinic.

All mammograms and CAD readings are interpreted by our highly trained radiologists who are certified in the field of mammography.