GVMH Introduces Digital Mammography

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There's a new weapon in the fight against breast cancer at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital: digital mammography. "We're happy to be able to offer the most up-to-date technology to women in the area," states Douglas Walrath, director of radiology. "They'll enjoy peace of mind knowing we're using the most advanced mammography techniques available to help detect breast cancer early."

Traditional mammograms involve an image on a film that must be processed, stored and hand-delivered to any physician or radiologist who needs to see it. Digital mammography replaces all that with a digital image that is stored in the hospital's picture archiving and communication system (PACS). The PACS allows the mammogram to be viewed instantly from any workstation connected to the secure system.

Better Care with High-Tech Tools

"Patients may find that digital mammography is a little quicker," Walrath states. "The image appears on a monitor and is approved by the technologist as it is created, so there's no waiting for film to be processed.

"But the real benefit of digital mammography comes from better quality images and the variety of tools available to the radiologist reading the mammogram," Walrath explains. "We have many ways to manipulate the image – we can zoom in, magnify, or change the contrast of the image. All of this will help to improve findings for early detection of breast cancer."

GVMH used computer-aided detection (CAD) with film mammography, and will continue to employ this "second set of eyes" with digital mammograms. CAD scans and analyzes the image and flags any areas with abnormalities that the radiologist may want to take a closer look at.

A Personal Touch

The caring, dedicated professionals at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital are committed to combining sophisticated technology with personalized care for the best possible results. With that in mind, the mammography area has undergone some renovations. "We remodeled the room to create a more pleasant experience for women getting mammograms," Walrath says. "I expect that the comfortable new room will elicit positive comments from our patients."

No doctor's referral is required for a screening mammogram, and digital mammography is now available at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital and will be available soon at our brand-new physician clinic in Warsaw. Call for an appointment at 660-890-7145.

Regular Screening Is Vital

Getting routine mammograms could save your life! According to the American Cancer Society, deaths from breast cancer are reduced 63% when women are screened regularly with mammograms. That's because mammograms help to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer have a mammogram and a clinical breast exam every year starting at age 40. Women in their 20s and 30s should receive a clinical breast exam at least every three years.