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Providing Women the Latest Technology
This article originally appeared in Community Caregiver, a
health information newsletter published by Wing Memorial Hospital for members of
the Greater Palmer community.
Being aware of the services available to you is an important first step in
the fight against this breast cancer. At Wing Memorial Hospital, we provide
women the latest in breast imaging, including digital mammography,
computer-aided detection (CAD), breast ultrasound and breast MRI (magnetic
reasonance imaging). Our imaging department provides prompt appointments,
special extended hours for busy working women, CD copies of images immediately
upon request, and a picture archiving system that allows your physician to view
your images online.
Digital Mammography
Our Lorad Selenia Digital Mammography
unit offers the latest technology in breast imaging. This system at Wing
Memorial is the first digital mammography unit in the Quaboag Hills region. The
superior detail and clarity of the digital images provide our radiologists an
exceptional level of detail that was not seen before with the conventional
film/screen technology. The difference is dramatic especially in women with
dense breast tissue and implants.
Computer-Aided Detection
CAD is used by our radiologists
as "a second pair of eyes" when reading mammograms and breast MRIs. The
radiologist reviews the exam and then activates the CAD software to re-evaluate
the marked area before issuing a final report. The software identifies features
on medical images and brings them to the attention of the radiologist.
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound breast imaging is used in
conjunction with mammography when there is a question of a breast cyst or mass
that may be obscured on the mammogram.
Breast MRI
Wing Memorial Hospital is the only hospital in
the Quaboag Hills providing Breast MRI. This new technique, when used in
conjunction with mammography, can provide valuable information for the detection
of breast disease. MRI does not replace mammography, but rather is used in
conjunction with it for a number of reasons, such as monitoring of high-risk
patients, diagnosis of implant rupture, staging of breast cancer and treatment,
surgical planning and post-surgery and post-radiation follow up.
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