Memorial Regional Breast Care Center

Digital Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms

Digital mammography has quickly become the new gold standard for most mammography departments. Memorial Regional Breast Care Center is no exception. As a department that continually strives to offer our patients the latest technology, we began using digital mammography in October 2005. As of March 2007, our department has completely transitioned into an all digital center.

Digital mammography was developed for the purpose of seeing through the breast tissue, especially dense tissue, better than film/screen mammography. The technology provides a more detailed image, thus allowing for the opportunity for earlier detection of breast cancer.  

Aside from the high quality images, there are other benefits to digital mammography. The images are reviewed by the technologist for quality as they are being taken. This allows the screening patient to leave immediately after her exam is completed rather than waiting for films to be process. A screening exam can be completed in approximately 10 minutes.

Patients also feel that the compression is not as painful. The compression paddle has the ability to flex as it compresses which allows for a more evenly compressed breast. 

The radiologist is able to view the patient’s study on a computer work station. He can manipulate an image, making it darker or lighter, or zoom in on areas he wants to see closer.