Your Health Matters | fall 2003


 
 

Cutting-Edge Breast Health Services in a Caring Environment

 
 
Women seeking breast health services deserve the highest quality care delivered with sensitivity and understanding.

Southcoast Hospitals Group’s Center for Women’s Health offers a full range of comprehensive screening and diagnostic services in a comforting setting close to home.

The Center’s breast-imaging equipment has been upgraded to produce the most highly detailed images available today. This means radiologists get the clearest pictures possible, which can lead to better diagnosis and treatment. The Center also recently added a sophisticated computer-aided detection system, which is among the newest technologies aiming to assist radiologists when interpreting mammograms.

“We’re very excited about this new equipment because it’s like having another set of eyes,” said Christine LoPiano, Mammography Manager at the Center for Women’s Health. “The CAD system technology helps the radiologist read mammograms and identifies suspicious areas on the mammogram typically associated with malignancy. It highlights areas in a mammogram that may need to be more closely monitored and may help us detect more abnormalities in their earlier stages.”

Sometimes results of screening mammograms suggest the need for further testing. The Center uses ultrasound to help determine if a potential problem is a fluid-filled cyst, which is usually benign, or a tumor that needs biopsy. When a biopsy is suggested, the Center is capable of providing ultrasound-guided biopsies performed by the radiologist, or the Center will help make arrangements for any needed additional procedures or referrals.

“Medical technology is constantly evolving, and Southcoast is committed to providing its patients with the latest advancements that can help them live longer and healthier,” said E. Kerry G. Bennett, MD, MPH, FACS, a surgeon on staff at St. Luke’s Hospital who works closely with the Southcoast Center for Women’s Health.

 
 
At the same time, the Center understands that providing reassurance and support to patients is as important as delivering high-tech services. “Diagnostic Days” is a special program for women who need additional evaluation where all their tests ? including ultrasound-guided biopsies ? and a consult with a radiologist are completed during one convenient same-day visit. “This really reduces some of the anxiety patients feel when they have to wait for answers,” LoPiano said.

Use the coupon on the FREE Information! page of this newsletter to order your free Breast Health Kit.



The editorial content of this online publication is taken from the print version of Your Health Matters published by Southcoast Hospitals Group.

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