All LewisGale Imaging and Breast Centers Offer Digital Mammography

What are the Benefits of Digital Mammography?

Digital mammograms have several advantages for patients including quicker exams with real-time images that can be displayed in seconds. Digital mammograms take as little as half the time of film because there is no waiting for films to be developed.

Other benefits include:

• Radiologists can manipulate the images on their workstation for better views of the breast, sometimes eliminating the need to call the patient back for additional images.

• If a second opinion is needed, the image can be sent electronically to a consulting physician virtually instantaneously.

• Images are stored electronically, so there are no films to be lost.

• The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, showed that women in the following categories benefit greater from digital
mammography than traditional mammography:

o Under age 50

o Extremely dense breast tissue (regardless of age)

o Premenopausal or perimenopausal women (last menstrual period within the past 11 months)

What is Mammography and What Can Women Expect?

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose X-ray system for an examination of the breasts. This technology is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women with no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in those that are experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.

During Mammography, a specially qualified radiologic technologist will position the breast in the mammography unit. The breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle (made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic). The patient will feel pressure on the breast as it is squeezed by the compression paddle. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience discomfort. If this is the case, patients should let their technologist know.

One out of every eight women will contract breast cancer, yet 60 percent of women who should have an annual mammogram to detect breast cancer or breast abnormalities will skip that mammogram this year for one reason or another.

Prevention and detection are the two most important steps in women’s health care and the fight against breast cancer. That’s why HCA Southwest Virginia’s Breast Care Network was designed with your comfort and convenience in mind, and to eliminate any excuses you might have for not putting your health and your breast care first.

Multiple locations (Roanoke Valley, New River Valley, Alleghany Highlands) near where you live and work, fast scheduling – often with same and next-day appointments – the latest diagnostic imaging technology and highly skilled, compassionate medical professionals help you make your well-being a top priority. And because we know that waiting can often mean worrying when it comes to receiving your mammography results, we strive to deliver answers in hours, not days.

When It’s Your Health, You Want Peace of Mind
When it’s your breast care, you deserve a sensitive blend of technology, trust, compassion, and quality care, coupled with the latest medical technology, the region’s first digital mammography, and convenient locations. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why the HCA Virginia Breast Care Network is your best choice when it comes to putting yourself first.

Our Breast Care Network
Whether you need an annual mammogram, diagnostic or treatment procedure, or consultation with a women’s health care expert, the best place to start is with a phone call to one of our six Breast Care Network locationsor by calling Consult-A-Nurse®, our 24/7 physician referral and health information line at 877-242-2362.