Digital Mammography – Technologically Advanced
Care for Women.
As a leader in diagnostic imaging, ProMedica Health System adopted state-of-the-art digital mammography technology throughout all the regions served by ProMedica. This early-detection investment has significantly enhanced the quality and accuracy of breast cancer screenings throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Digital mammography offers more accurate results for most women including those under 50 and women with dense breast tissue. In addition, digital technology offers reduced exam times.
If you are due for a mammogram, it is important that you do not delay. Call today for your appointment.
| Call today to schedule your digital mammogram at one of these ProMedica locations: |
Arrowhead Medical Center
6600 Beaver Creek Circle,
Suite 120,
Maumee, OH
419-291-3000 |
Defiance Regional Medical Center
1200 Ralston Ave., Defiance, OH
419-783-6931 |
Bay Park Community Hospital
2801 Bay Park Dr., Oregon, OH
419-690-7979 |
Flower Hospital Breast Care Center
5200 Harroun Rd., Sylvania, OH
419-291-3000 |
Bay Park Diagnostics – Rossford
1209 Dixie Highway, Rossford, OH
419-690-7979 |
Fostoria Community Hospital
501 Van Buren St., Fostoria, OH
419-436-6690 |
Bixby Medical Center
818 Riverside Ave., Adrian, MI
517-265-0271 |
Herrick Medical Center
500 E. Pottawatamie St., Tecumseh, MI
517-424-3282 |
ProMedica Health Center – Port Sylvania
7140 Port Sylvania,
Suite 501,
Toledo, OH
419-291-3000 |
ProMedica Health Center – West
3740 W. Sylvania Ave.,
Suite 400,
Toledo, OH
419-291-3000 |
The Toledo Hospital Breast Care Center
Harris McIntosh Tower
2121 Hughes Dr., Toledo, OH
419-291-3000 |
|
Women's Advanced Care
Early detection is the key.
Although there has been a decline in the rate of deaths from breast
cancer in recent years, it is still the second leading cause of cancer
death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Mammography allows
cancers to be detected early, providing a greater chance of successful
treatment.
Methods for early detection of breast cancer include clinical
examinations by a healthcare professional and mammography. In most
cases, mammography can identify an abnormal breast mass as much as two
years before it can be detected by touch.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have at
least one baseline screening mammogram between the age of 35 and 40. At
age 40 women should begin to have annual mammograms. In addition to
annual screening for women 40 and older, women with certain risk
factors should discuss an appropriate screening program with their
physician.
What is digital mammography?
A mammogram is a very safe procedure that uses low doses of radiation
to produce high-quality x-rays of the breasts, used to detect and
diagnose breast diseases. Unlike film-based mammography, digital
mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to
produce an image that can be displayed on the technologist’s
high-resolution computer monitor electronically in a matter of seconds.
The radiologist can adjust and enhance the image to detect any
abnormalities in the breast, giving you the best diagnosis possible and
less chance of having a re-test. There is no waiting for film to
develop, which can mean a shorter time spent in the breast imaging
suite.
A screening mammogram is used as a preventive measure for
women who have no symptoms of breast disease, and usually involves two
views of each breast. Diagnostic mammography involves additional views
of the breast, and is used when an abnormality is found during
screening, or in women who have breast complaints, such as a breast
mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin irritation.
Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and
x-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast, however, the
digital technology makes the exam shorter.
Why should you have
a digital mammogram?
- Because this early-detection tool improves the quality and accuracy of mammograms for many women.
- Unlike traditional film mammograms, the
radiologist can manipulate the image to better see
abnormalities. And with digital mammography, your mammogram can
easily be shared among experts for additional opinions.
- It can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or
under exposure. This potentially saves additional time and
reduces your exposure to x-rays.
- Because they are electronic, digital mammography
images can be transmitted quickly thus eliminating dependence
on one set of “original” films.
- Best of all, the digital technology makes the exam shorter
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where will digital mammograms be conducted and how do I schedule a digital mammogram?
A: Below is a list of locations and phone numbers to assist you with scheduling.
| Call today to schedule your digital mammogram at one of these ProMedica locations: |
Arrowhead Medical Center
6600 Beaver Creek Circle,
Suite 120,
Maumee, OH
419-291-3000 |
Defiance Regional Medical Center
1200 Ralston Ave., Defiance, OH
419-783-6931 |
Bay Park Community Hospital
2801 Bay Park Dr., Oregon, OH
419-690-7979 |
Flower Hospital Breast Care Center
5200 Harroun Rd., Sylvania, OH
419-291-3000 |
Bay Park Diagnostics – Rossford
1209 Dixie Highway, Rossford, OH
419-690-7979 |
Fostoria Community Hospital
501 Van Buren St., Fostoria, OH
419-436-6690 |
Bixby Medical Center
818 Riverside Ave., Adrian, MI
517-265-0271 |
Herrick Medical Center
500 E. Pottawatamie St., Tecumseh, MI
517-424-3282 |
ProMedica Health Center – Port Sylvania
7140 Port Sylvania,
Suite 501,
Toledo, OH
419-291-3000 |
ProMedica Health Center – West
3740 W. Sylvania Ave.,
Suite 400,
Toledo, OH
419-291-3000 |
The Toledo Hospital Breast Care Center
Harris McIntosh Tower
2121 Hughes Dr., Toledo, OH
419-291-3000 |
|
A screening mammogram is used as a preventive measure for
women who have no symptoms of breast disease, and usually involves two
views of each breast. Diagnostic mammography involves additional views
of the breast, and is used when an abnormality is found during
screening, or in women who have breast complaints, such as a breast
mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin irritation.
Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and
x-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast, however, the
digital technology makes the exam shorter.
Think of a mammogram like a digital photo versus a photograph on film. When you open a digital photo on your computer, you can make it lighter, darker or take out the red-eye so that you can have the best image possible. With a photo printed from film, you develop the photo as is and do not have the ability to change it. This is the same way a radiologist can manipulate the digital image of the mammogram. With a digital mammogram, radiologists can adjust and enhance the image to detect any abnormalities in the breast, giving you the best diagnosis possible and less chance of having a re-test.
Less – digital mammography uses less radiation than a film mammogram. Plus, digital mammograms reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure.
Yes, digital mammography is especially effective, stronger and more powerful for women with dense breasts.
- Because this early-detection tool improves the quality and accuracy of Mammograms for many women.
- This technology allows us to offer our patients the latest innovations in digital imaging and breast cancer detection in the fight against breast cancer.
- Unlike traditional film mammograms, the radiologist can manipulate the image to better see abnormalities. And with digital, your mammogram can easily be shared among experts for additional opinions.
- Best of all, the digital technology makes the exam shorter
To maximize accuracy, it is recommended that once you have a digital mammogram, you continue to have digital mammograms. Digital mammograms are highly advanced and unlike traditional film mammograms, the radiologist can manipulate the image to better see abnormalities. Each mammogram you have will be compared to your previous mammograms to identify any changes that may have occurred since the last screening. Because of the advanced abilities of digital mammography, comparing a previous digital mammogram to a new film mammogram will not allow the radiologist to identify any new developments since your last mammogram.
: A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Screening mammography is used as a preventive measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease. A screening mammogram usually involves two views of each breast. Diagnostic mammography involves additional views of the breast, and is used when an abnormality is found during screening, or in women who have breast complaints, such as a breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin irritation. Mammography is a very safe procedure that uses low doses of radiation to produce high-quality x-rays.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have at least one baseline screening mammogram between the age of 35 and 40. At age 40 women should begin to have annual mammograms. In addition to annual screening for women 40 and older, women with certain risk factors should discuss an appropriate
screening program with their physician.
- If you have had mammograms in different facilities, call those facilities in advance and arrange to have your previous mammograms, reports and any other treatment reports forwarded to the location where you are having your mammogram.
- Do not wear deodorant, powder or cream under your arms as it may interfere with the quality of your mammogram.
During a digital mammogram, each x-ray will appear on the
technologist’s computer screen, and she will be able to make sure each
image shows the right view before positioning you for the next x-ray.
Once the technologist has begun the procedure, the entire procedure should take about 20 minutes.
Q: Are mammograms painful?
A: Breast compression may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each x-ray, but it should not be painful. Breast compression helps obtain better x-rays by:
- Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined.
- Allowing a lower x-ray dose to be used, since the x-ray beams pass through a thinner amount of tissue
- Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion.
If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be less tender. In general, this occurs the week after your period.
A board-certified radiologist, specially trained in breast imaging,
will read your mammogram and prepare a report with your results. This
report will be mailed to you.