Mammograms go digital at DeTar
We all know how easy it is to put off getting a
mammogram, but the truth is that it remains
the standard for detecting breast cancer.
The advanced technology found at DeTar
Healthcare System’s Breast Care Center makes it easier
for radiologists to get a clearer picture of breast tissue.
Detar Goes Digital
Breast self-exams and clinical breast exams conducted
by a physician are essential, but advances in mammography
continue to make it
a leader in early detection of
breast cancer. DeTar recently
added digital mammography to
its arsenal in the fight against
breast cancer.
“Mammograms don’t prevent
breast cancer, but they can save
lives by finding breast cancer as
early as possible,” says Santiago
Marroquin, M.D., interventional radiologist at DeTar Healthcare
System. “With DeTar’s ongoing
investment in breast cancer
imaging tools such as digital
mammography, Dilon scintimammography,
stereotactic breast
biopsy and computer-aided
detection, breast tissue changes
can be detected at earlier stages.”
Digital mammography uses
newer technology to provide a
clearer image of the breast. Lowdose
ionizing radiation instantly
produces images of the breast
on a computer screen. The digital
image provides the radiologists
an enhanced view that they can
magnify, brighten or manipulate
to see certain areas more clearly.
Digital mammography is more
sensitive to abnormalities, especially
in younger women or those who have dense breast
tissue. At DeTar, we also use softer pads to greatly
improve patient comfort.
Dilon Scintimammography
Dilon scintimammography is a valuable tool that uses
molecular imaging to detect breast cancer. It’s used for
patients whose mammograms can’t answer all physician
questions. The Dilon’s special camera can detect cancers
as small as 3 millimeters, and many patients will be
spared from more invasive treatments.
Computer-Aided Detection
Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems use a digitized
image that’s fed into a computer where the software
searches for abnormalities such as areas of density, mass
or calcification, which may indicate cancer’s presence. The
CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting
the radiologists to the need for further analysis.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic breast biopsy is performed to remove cells
from a suspicious area in the breast to determine a
diagnosis. A stereotactic biopsy uses a special mammography
machine to help guide the interventional
radiologist’s instruments to the site when the abnormal
area in the breast is too small to be felt, making it difficult to locate. The result is a shorter
exam time that greatly improves
patient comfort and convenience.
Breast MRI
DeTar is implementing breast MRIs,
noninvasive medical tests that help
physicians diagnose and treat
medical conditions without using
X-rays. MRI uses a powerful magnetic
field, radio waves and a computer
to produce detailed pictures of
organs, soft tissues, bone and other
internal body structures. Breast MRI
isn’t a replacement for mammography
but rather is a supplemental
tool for detecting breast cancer and
other breast abnormalities.
“With 183,000 new cases of
breast cancer a year—striking one
woman in every eight—the statistics
are staggering, but early detection
greatly increases a woman’s odds
for survival,” says Dr. Marroquin.
“With the help of advanced technology
at DeTar, women can take
charge of their health.”