Digital Mammography Images,

More Detail Leads To Less Anxiety

NEW MILFORD — New Milford Hospital now offers state-of-the-art technology to screen for breast cancer: digital mammography. Less than one-tenth of mammography units in the United States are digital.

Digital mammography offers several benefits for patients. A digital mammogram is performed with less radiation exposure to the breast, yet the images of the breast are of excellent quality. Dr Andrea Crowley, chairman of New Milford Hospital’s diagnostic radiology department, believes that better image quality translates into better patient care.

“Because digital mammography is a much more sensitive exam, changes in the breast that are suspicious for cancer, such as microcalcifications, can be seen sooner,” Dr Crowley said. “This means that breast cancer can be detected at an earlier stage, which has a greater chance for cure.” 

Digital mammography allows the radiologist to adjust and enhance the images of the breast and see much more detail. Further, every examination includes a “second look” computer-aided-detection-system evaluation. The image quality and resolution with digital mammography is far superior compared to conventional mammograms. 

The use of digital mammography reduces patient anxiety during the examination because the radiology technologist is able to remain in the room with the patient while the images are quickly processed. The technologist can immediately reassure the patient that appropriate images have been obtained for the radiologist to accurately review her mammogram.

The patient can confidently leave the mammography suite after only a 15-minute visit. 

The New Milford Hospital’s Breast Care Program is dedicated to providing optimal care to patients close to home. The hospital’s new digital mammography unit is one of the major advances in optimizing women’s health.