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Added on Jan 27, 2009 | Filed Under: General News | Video(s)

Mammography Screenings In Half the Time With Faster, More Detailed Results

Mammography Goes Digital at Ochsner Medical Center -West Bank Mammography Screenings In Half the Time With Faster, More Detailed Results GRETNA, LA -Ochsner Medical Center-West Bank (OMC-WB) is proud to offer mammograms in half the time with better images. As part of a women's services expansion, OMC-WB now offers the Seleniaâ„¢ digital mammography from Hologic®. In addition to taking half the time of traditional film-based mammograms, digital technology enables radiologists to review images immediately and more closely inspect suspicious areas to make immediate decisions. "A routine mammogram is the single most important step that a woman can take in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. We hope that the addition of digital technology, which makes the screening faster, will encourage more women to make an appointment," says Dr. Dennis Kay, M.D., Chairman of Radiology for Ochsner Health System. "What sets digital mammography apart from conventional mammography is how the image of the breast is viewed and manipulated. We can magnify images and increase or decrease the contrast allowing us to evaluate micro-calcifications and focus on areas of concern to make rapid, accurate diagnoses," explains Dr Kay. From a patient's perspective, digital mammography feels identical to the conventional screening; however, the exam times are shorter and due to the improve imaging; few women are called back for re-screening. According to Dr. Kay, digital mammography's better visualization of breast tissue makes it particularly beneficial for women with dense breasts, which includes younger women and women on hormone replacement therapy. In conjunction with the digital mammography unit, OMC-WB offers computer-aided detection which is a "second read" of the mammogram by a computer. Physicians are the first eyes and the computer serves as a second set, assisting them in making an accurate diagnosis. "OMC-WB is committed to the continued health of our neighbors and by investing in the most accurate diagnostic tools, such as digital mammography, we can better serve the community," explains Dr. Mike O'Bryan, CEO at Ochsner Medical Center-West Bank. For appointments, call 504-391-5150. Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank 2500 Belle Chasse Highway Gretna, La.

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