More About Digital Mammography

How are digital mammograms different from film/screen mammograms? 

• With digital mammography once the images have been taken they can be electronically manipulated.  The radiologist can zoom in, magnify different parts of the breast tissue without having to take an additional image. 

• Digital mammography produces a high resolution image.  Higher resolution enables radiologists to see more details within the soft tissue of the breast.  This can lead to a more accurate diagnosis. 

• Fewer patients need to be called back for additional imaging in mammography.

• Less anxiety is generated if fewer images are required and results are seen immediately.

Does the digital mammography equipment look different from traditional film/screen mammography equipment?

From a patient’s perspective the positioning, compression and how the machine looks are similar.

• The design of the Fischer SenoScan is the only digital mammography system that has a curved breast support and compression paddle. 

• Patients have remarked on experiencing less discomfort with this system.

• This system also uses a breast-scanning technology, which allows for the highest image quality at the lowest possible radiation dose.  Up to 60% less radiation.

How does digital mammography improve result times?

Obtaining comparison mammography exams can be very costly and labor intensive for a mammography center.  Locating and transporting film mammography exams can delay interpretations. 

• Digital mammography provides more efficient access to the mammograms.

• Digital mammograms can be transmitted to another site for viewing for the radiologist in minutes.

• No longer will patients experience the loss of their comparison mammography exams

• Significant film storage cost reductions

How does digital mammography improve productivity in a breast center?

• Less time is needed for the mammography appointment as results are seen more quickly.

• The images appear in the mammography room on a computer monitor in seconds. 

• The technologist can check the images for clarity and positioning.  Patient is then release from the mammography room. 

• There is no processing time and waiting for images to be developed.  The technologist never leaves the room during the exam.

• Currently at our Screening Mammography centers we are able to do twice as many exams on the digital mammography units in comparison to the film units.