Bayonne Medical Center Now Offers Digital Mammography

First Healthcare Facility in Hudson County to Provide Digital Mammography

January 17, 2003 - Bayonne Medical Center today became the first healthcare facility in Hudson County to offer state-of-the-art digital mammography to patients. Breast cancer is newly diagnosed in the United States every three minutes, according to the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations. With early cancer detection and treatment, ninety-six percent of patients will be alive five years later.

Not only does the Senographe ā 2000D Full Field Digital Mammography System increase the early detection of breast cancer, it also revolutionizes breast care by speeding up the examination process. An average exam now takes around fifteen minutes compared to half an hour with conventional film-based X-rays.

The high quality digital image is ready for review on a computer monitor within ten seconds, allowing the radiologist to instantly verify whether the patient was correctly positioned. Peter Smith, M.D., Bayonne Medical Center's Medical Director of Radiology Services, said, "Women no longer have to wait while the films are developed to be sure the images are usable. By reducing the patient exam time by half, we will serve our patients more effectively."

Digital images are clearer and easier to read than X-ray films. Electronic images ensure increased accuracy and visibility, especially near the skin line, the chest wall and in women with dense breast tissue. Dr. Smith said the technology also gives radiologists the flexibility to electronically manipulate the digital image. "Radiologists can zoom in, magnify and adjust the brightness, contrast and orientation of the image after the exam is completed. Different parts of breast tissue can be optimized without having to take additional images," added Dr. Smith. Digital mammography can also be manipulated to correct for under or over exposure after the exam is completed. This eliminates the need for patients to undergo repeat mammograms before leaving the facility.

The digital combination of images, taken from different angles, allows doctors to better detect certain tumors than with two-dimensional X-ray techniques. Special software allows the entire breast to be viewed on one digital image instead of reviewing and comparing multiple X-ray films.

If a second opinion is needed, the digital image can be sent electronically to a doctor anywhere in the world; and can then be printed on film for review. Digital mammographies can be archived electronically which allows for easier retrieval and comparison of previous patient images.

Dr. Smith said Bayonne Medical Center also utilizes Computer Aided Detection to further improve the accuracy of mammography readings. "CAD has the ability to flag subtle cancers that may otherwise be missed," noted Dr. Smith. A study reported in Radiology 2001 indicated that nearly 20% percent more breast cancer cases were detected with CAD. The number of early detections also increased, and when breast cancer is detected in its earliest stage, the prognosis is most favorable.

Robert H. Evans, president and CEO of Bayonne Medical Center said, "In 2002 alone, more than 5,500 mammographies were performed at Bayonne Medical Center. We expect to see that number increase significantly in 2003 due to the acquisition of the digital mammography system."

For more information or to schedule a digital mammogram at Bayonne Medical Center, call 201-858-6572.

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