Digital Mammography- New Technology More Accurate in Detecting Breast Cancer

Mankato Clinic offers the latest technology

(Mankato, MN)— October 14, 2008 — October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Mankato Clinic is now one of the few breast imaging facilities in the U.S. to offer digital mammography capability.  “Screening mammography is still recognized as the most effective tool available for the early detection of breast cancer,” said Dr. Kevin Gildner M.D., Gynecology Department of the Mankato Clinic.  We’re proud to be able to provide the­ women in our communities with the most advanced screening technology available to identify cancers early when they are most treatable.”

Digital mammography, a mammogram that uses new detection technologies and computers instead of film, was found in a landmark clinical study of more than 42,000 women to be better than film-screen mammography in detecting breast cancer in three groups:  women under 50, pre- and peri-menopausal women, and women with dense breasts. Digital mammograms are 15 percent more accurate among women under age 50 or not yet in menopause, and 11 percent more accurate among women with dense breasts.

From the patient’s perspective, the procedure for a digital mammogram is the same as for a conventional film mammogram; therefore women having their mammogram with the new technology will not notice significant changes from past mammograms.

“The benefits we are experiencing with digital mammography are not only allowing us to do our jobs more effectively and efficiently but, more importantly, they are enabling us to provide the top level of care for our breast imaging patients,” said Dr. Mark Myers M.D., Radiologist, Mankato Clinic.  “Fuji’s Computed Radiography for Mammography is the most widely used digital mammography system in the world, and we’re pleased to be the first facility in the Greater Mankato Area to offer its benefits.”

The Mankato Clinic also uses PACS, or Picture Archiving and Communication System, which enables the digital mammograms to be electronically viewed, transmitted and stored.  PACS enables the interpreting physician to use digital tools to electronically enhance and magnify the images, and to adjust the contrast to better examine any suspicious areas.  This reduces the need for the patient to be called back for additional exposures.  The PACS also facilitates long-distance consultations with other specialists since the digital images can be readily transmitted to other facilities.  They can also readily be transferred to a CD if a patient needs to take them to another facility.

Furthermore, the Mankato Clinic also utilizes CAD (Computer Assisted Detection), a technology shown in many recent studies to help radiologists find a greater numbers of concerns on mammograms.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Fortunately, 96 percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years.  A mammogram and a breast exam by a doctor should also be part of a periodic health exam every year for women 40 and above.

About the Mankato Clinic
The Mankato Clinic was founded in November 1916, by five area physicians who believed that a comprehensive, multi-specialty group practice offered the best means of providing quality health care to the residents of southern Minnesota.   The Mankato Clinic has grown to over 110 physicians and practitioners located in Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Mapleton, and Lake Crystal. The Mankato Clinic and its satellites employ over 700 people, and ranks among the top 15 employers in the region.