Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center (SVRMC) is proud to now offer digital mammography, the latest diagnostic technology available in the fight against breast cancer. From the patient’s perspective, digital mammography is virtually the same as a standard film mammogram. The difference is in how the image of the breast is acquired and, more importantly, viewed. Digital technology allows the image to be captured and stored in a computer where the radiologist can magnify the images, adjust the contrast and invert the black and white values for the best possible image quality and evaluation, all while delivering a lower dode of radiation, decreasing exam times and the need for retakes, and providing faster results than traditional film mammography. In addition, the results from the American College of Radiology Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST) indicate that digital mammography detected significantly more cancers than screen-film mammography in women 50 and younger, premenopausal and perimenopausal women, and women with dense breasts.

SVRMC is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering the latest mammography technology, the medical center hopes to increase the number of area women who follow the recommendations for regular screenings. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact Betty Lou Robinson, R.T.(R)(M), Mammography Quality Assurance Technologist at 434-348-4836.

The Benefits of Digital Mammography

Unlike other parts of the body, the breast is composed mainly of soft tissue. When breast tissue is x-rayed, it creates an image that looks something like a smoky haze, making it difficult to see tiny “spots,” called microcalcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close ups of specific areas of interest. Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology.

Another convenience of digital mammography over film-based systems is it can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure. This potentially saves additional time and reduces your exposure to x-rays. Because they are electronic, digital mammography images can be transmitted quickly across a network. Digital images can also be easily stored, copied without any loss of information, and transmitted and received in a more streamlined manner, eliminating dependence on only one set of “original” films.