TAMC introduces digital mammography to Aroostook
PRESQUE ISLE — Women in Aroostook County now have access to the best breast cancer screening technology available.
The digital mammography now being offered at The Aroostook Medical Center’s A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital for both routine screenings and diagnostic testing is another first for the County. In addition to shorter procedure times, women will have peace of mind knowing that the images produced by the new technology are the clearest, most detailed available.
Both traditional film and digital mammography equipment use X-rays to capture images of the breasts. The differences between the two types of technology, however, are significant. Analog mammography systems use X-ray films that can be thought of like pictures from a film camera — the images are good, but they take time to develop. Patients have to wait for the technologist assisting with the exam to develop the film and review the images to make sure a retake isn’t necessary. This can take up to 10 minutes.
Images from a digital mammography machine are more like pictures from a modern digital camera; they are extremely detailed and can be viewed right away. The technologist can review the images immediately after they are captured. Since there is no film to develop, patients will typically spend less time in the mammography room.
After the procedure, the digital images are reviewed on a special computer screen by a radiologist. The radiologist can use computer software to zoom in on certain areas of the image that show masses or calcifications, which can help with detecting abnormalities. Both the images and the radiologist’s notes then become available to other doctors and providers at TAMC through a highly secure computer system.
Findings from a clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute showed that digital mammography’s enhanced clarity and sensitivity is particularly beneficial for certain women.
“The technology has the greatest benefit for women 50 years of age and younger,” said Lana McNamee, mammography coordinator at TAMC. “It also has advantages for women with very dense breasts, who will now be able to stay right here in Aroostook County for their annual screening.”
There are other benefits to the technology. The computer behind TAMC’s new digital mammography system performs a “second read” of the breast image to augment the radiologist’s review. The computer does not replace a radiologist’s reading of the mammogram, but instead enhances the screening process by providing more information for a radiologist to consider when reviewing the images.
According to McNamee, with digital mammography, patients are less likely to need to come back for additional testing.
“A recall is when a radiologist looks at an exam and decides that we need some additional views,” she said. “This does not happen as much with digital mammography because the radiologists have a lot more tools available to work with when reading the mammogram.”
Although the technology has improved, women who come in for mammograms will find that the process hasn’t changed much. There is still breast compression, but the compression paddle will tilt to the contour of the patient’s breasts. And the mammography team remains focused on making the exam as easy and comfortable as possible.
“The waiting area remains the same, with music, tea and coffee,” added McNamee. “We have a very well-trained staff and everyone in the department enjoys what they do. We also continue to raffle off gift baskets every quarter. It’s kind of fun. Everyone who comes in has an opportunity to win. It’s an extra thing we do to improve our patients’ experience.”
Along with adding digital mammography, TAMC recently enhanced its women’s health services by purchasing a new digital bone density machine. Bone density screenings are offered on a walk-in basis during normal business hours.
“These technology upgrades provide women living in all parts of Aroostook County with access to the latest diagnostic tools,” said Dr. Jay Reynolds, chief operating officer/chief medical officer at TAMC. “In the unfortunate case that a problem is found, treatment can usually be provided right here at our hospital.”
