Montgomery Hospital Medical Center to Add Use of Digital Mammography in the Fight Against Breast Cancer; Looks to Decrease Patient Examination Times

NORRISTOWN, PA (January 16, 2007) - In February, Montgomery Hospital Medical Center (MHMC) will acquire new digital mammogram technology that will assist physicians in the fight against breast cancer. This new technology will provide instant benefits to radiologists screening patients for breast cancer; it will also mean shorter examination times for most patients.

Similar to the technology used in digital cameras, digital mammography is a system where x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electric signals. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen.

Digital mammography produces images that can be manipulated for the best view possible. Images can be enlarged, lightened, or darkened. While digital mammography does not "see" anymore than x-ray mammography, it can be more effective for physicians diagnosing breast lumps, especially for women under age 50 who tend to have denser breast tissue.

The ability to make an image as crisp as possible or zoom in on a suspicious area assists in achieving the most accurate diagnosis possible without having to take additional mammogram images. While the physical experience of the mammogram is the same, patients will find that their visit times will be shorter. This will allow Montgomery Hospital to increase the number of patients it sees each year.

In addition to improved image quality, digital mammography also uses Computer Assisted Detection (CAD). CAD is a useful tool for radiologists who read mammograms. The computer will pinpoint areas that fall within a certain range for possible review by the radiologist. While CAD does supercede the radiologist, it is a back-up that can further assist in breast lump detection.

Digital mammography is fast, safe, and effective. The digital technology allows radiologists and physicians to view mammograms quickly from remote-computer locations. Digital images can also be stored on CD's, negating the need for films, and can be sent electronically when necessary.

Montgomery Hospital Medical Center is pleased to offer this new improvement in healthcare to our patients. Montgomery Hospital Medical Center (MHMC) in Norristown is the oldest suburban hospital in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1889, MHMC serves as the primary source of health care for Norristown and its surrounding communities. MHMC is staffed by more than 1,000 health care professionals who meet the needs of approximately 10,000 inpatients and more than 100,000 outpatients each year.

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