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Digital Detection
New mammography technology works
to save lives in the fight against breast cancer
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Austin, TX – Technology has
rapidly become an integral part of everyday life. From
entertainment to business to our homes, society revolves
around those technologies that not only enhance, but
simplify our lives. And it’s the same with healthcare. The
increased prevalence and awareness of certain diseases, such
as breast cancer, has spurred scientists to intensify the
search for better treatment and detections options. Digital
mammography is one such technology that is helping doctors
more accurately detect a cancer that claims more than 40,000
lives annually in the U.S.
Over 25 million women get mammograms every year and over
200,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be
diagnosed this year, so there is no question that this
annual exam is of the utmost importance. Statistics have
shown, however, that five to 17 percent of cancers go
undetected during these screenings. |
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“The film used in traditional mammographies cannot always pick
up on tumors that are in an early stage and they are usually
undetectable through a self-exam,” explains Deborah O’Connell,
M.D., a radiologist at the new Austin Diagnostic Clinic Women’s
Imaging Center.
“Abnormalities show up in test results as a gray patch, but if
the abnormality is not fully developed – which can take years –
the contrast may be so small that it is hard for doctors to
find.”
This can literally mean the difference between life and death,
because studies have shown that that 63.7% of breast cancers are
diagnosed at a localized stage when the
5-year survival rate is 97.9%. “Finding a tumor at an early
stage also means the patient might be eligible for
breast-conserving surgery instead of a mastectomy, and it is
less likely that the tumor has spread to surrounding tissue or
lymph nodes,” says Dr. O’Connell. “Being able to see and
decipher any gray area can increase a woman’s chances of
catching and possibly curing the disease.”
What Can Digital Do?
Unlike traditional mammographies that rely on film to capture an
image, digital mammograms take pictures much like the digital
cameras many people have in their homes.
“The image can be projected onto a computer screen where the
image can be manipulated by the radiologist,” says Dr.
O’Connell. “In addition to contrast, the magnification,
orientation and brightness can also be altered. Because of this
enhanced functionality, digital mammography has the ability to
detect cancerous tissues at an earlier stage.” This is important
because doctors will be able to better emphasize any color
contrasts that may appear, giving a clearer picture of what is
happening within the breast.
From the patient’s point of view there is no difference in the
screening process, but for the radiologists, it is increasing
the accuracy and the efficiency in which they can detect a
potential problem. That’s why the new Women’s Imaging Center at
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic has gone digital.
“It’s about giving women a chance,” says Dr. O’Connell. “Women
are better equipped to fight and beat breast cancer if they have
all of the possible tools and information.” Digital mammograms
help doctors provide that information more quickly and easily
because images can be acquired faster and with fewer exposures.
The process and analysis are not only efficient, but precise.
Another benefit of the digital mammogram is the ability to store
the images. “This is helpful because it is another point of
reference for the radiologist when a woman comes in for a
screening. We can see more clearly if there is even the
slightest bit of change,” says Dr. O’Connell. “This helps us to
better track possible anomalies.”
Screening for Your Health
Starting at age 40, mammograms should be a part of regular
health screenings unless potential health risks are present
which might be cause for more frequent screenings. These risk
factors include family history, genetic tendency and some
environmental factors. Women in their 20s and 30s who do not
have an increased risk of developing breast cancer should have a
clinical breast exam about every three years. For women 40 and
older, this exam should be done annually.
“Technology and healthcare are working together to give women
the best chance possible to beat this devastating disease,” says
Dr. O’Connell. “Making it a priority to get an annual mammogram
can literally save your life.”
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The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC) is a multi-specialty clinic
with physicians representing 24 medical specialties at six
locations. Dr. O’Connell practices at the ADC Main Clinic at
12221 N. MoPac.
To schedule an appointment, call 901-4030.
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