Digital mammography takes less time, uses less radiation and reduces patient wait times
| For Immediate Release | Contact: Joyce Faria Brennan |
| January 14, 2008 | 508-961-5270 |
| brennanj@southcoast.org | |
 Get this release in Word format |
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NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Health System has upgraded to 100 percent digital mammography at all nine of its mammography service locations from Fall River to Wareham.
Southcoast is the primary provider of breast health services in the region, performing more than 40,000 mammograms a year. Digital mammography is quickly becoming the standard in breast imaging, providing a high-resolution image that can be seen instantly with less radiation, more comfort and greater accuracy. The image can also be shared easier among health care providers.
"With the support of our generous contributors, Southcoast has made a significant investment in technology that is vital to the health of every woman in our region," said Anne Ruggieri, MD, Chair of Radiology Imaging Services at St. Luke's and Tobey Hospitals.
"Southcoast patients now have access to the most comprehensive digital mammography system with 13 units installed at nine sites in Fall River, North Dartmouth, New Bedford and Wareham. Several of our sites have also been upgraded with other modalities to provide our patients with the most complete breast imaging services available on the South Coast, including digital mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and stereotactic breast biopsies," Dr. Ruggieri said.
Southcoast offers mammography services at its three hospital sites — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham — and at several offsite locations, including the Center for Women's Health at Faunce Corner in North Dartmouth, Truesdale Clinic in Fall River, the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center in New Bedford and several physician offices.
Better results, less than half the time
A digital mammogram is performed similar to the traditional mammogram, but in less time and with greater precision. Because the digital image is immediately available on the computer screen, the technologist is better able to determine if the quality of the picture is sufficient for the radiologist to interpret.
"The total exam is performed in less than half the time," said Christine LoPiano, RT, Mammography & Outreach Manager for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "In the past, the film would be generated and then taken to a separate area to be viewed while the patient waited. Digital mammography takes less time, reducing patient waits and enabling us to serve more mammography patients quickly and conveniently."
Advanced technology
All mammograms and Computer-Aided Detection system (CAD) readings are interpreted by Southcoast's highly trained, board-certified radiologists. All Southcoast radiologists are required by the American College of Radiology, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Mammography Quality Standards Act to maintain continuing education and experience in the field of mammography.
"Digital mammography allows radiologists to enlarge the images, change the contrast and zoom in on small details to aid in the detection of small breast cancers," said John F. Lentini, MD, Chair of Radiology Imaging Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.
Southcoast radiologists will also continue to utilize the Computer-Aided Detection System (CAD), a software program that runs in the background and functions as an additional mammography reading by pinpointing suspicious areas that might require additional testing. Called a "second check," the CAD system is used on all mammograms performed at any Southcoast site.
The new digital mammography units also interface with Southcoast's Picture Archive Communication System (PACS), allowing physicians access to patients' digital images right from their office. This technology also allows Southcoast to digitize earlier mammograms for better viewing and comparison with current mammograms.
The fight against breast cancer
"Although one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, digital mammography has been proven to be the best tool in early detection and treatment, resulting in improved outcomes," Dr. Ruggieri said. "Early detection and treatment are critical. We encourage all women to receive regular mammograms."
A complete list of Southcoast Breast Health Service locations can be found at www.southcoast.org/breast/.
About Southcoast
Southcoast Health System, a not-for-profit charitable organization, is a community based health delivery system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of advanced health services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and East Bay, Rhode Island. It includes Southcoast Hospitals Group, formed in 1996 from the merger of Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.
Southcoast has more than 40 ancillary facilities, including the Southcoast Health Van, home health care, hospice and infusion services, numerous outpatient medical services, an assisted living facility and a wellness center. For more information visit www.southcoast.org.
Southcoast is one of three community hospitals approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to perform open heart surgery and primary angioplasty beginning in Spring 2002.
Media Contact
Joyce Faria Brennan
Public Information Officer
Phone: 508-961-5270
Pager: 508-387-9605
Fax: 508-961-5876
brennanj@southcoast.org
