Triple Check
A mammogram is a non-invasive test that compresses each breast and takes X-ray pictures of the breast tissue. The exam only takes a few minutes - and it has the power to save your life.
Traditionally, two radiologists at Memorial work hand in hand, interpreting each patient's mammography pictures to detect breast cancer. Today, with the help of R2 Technology's ImageChecker®, there are now three inspections of your mammogram.
The radiologists thoroughly examine your mammography films and then the mammograms are processed by the ImageChecker, which transforms the radiographs into digital images that can be viewed by the radiologist through a computer monitor. This process allows the ImageChecker to utilize an immense database of 1 billion different characteristics of abnormal breast tissue and apply them to the images. Asymmetrical or abnormal areas of the breast that could signal potential breast cancer are marked and the radiologists review the suspicions to determine if cancer is truly suspected.
"The entire Imaging staff is excited about the ImageChecker because of the increased level of detection women receive," says Michael Samogala, Director of Imaging Services at Memorial Hospital. "And the ImageChecker routinely improves itself. When breast cancer is found, the specific characteristics are shared with the manufacturer and added to the system's database annually. This further increases the sensitivity of the process for future patients and provides added confidence to the radiologist interpreting the images and greater assurance for our patients."
In A Class Of Its Own
ImageChecker is the most cutting-edge mammography tool currently available, and Memorial Hospital is the first in the area to offer it.
"The ImageChecker's arrival dovetails nicely with the addition of our new Women's Health Center," says Dr. Muncrief. "It's essential that we keep up with mammography technology to protect and enhance women's health in our community, and the ImageChecker is helping us meet that goal."
Research has indicated this system can increase the diagnostic and detection capability of the mammogram procedure from the 70th to the 90th percentile, thereby detecting some 20 percent of the cancers not commonly detected by the conventional mammography process. ImageChecker is a registered trademark of R2 Technology, Inc.
