According to the World Health Organization, the most common cancer in women is breast cancer. While it is more common in women, both men and women can be affected by this disease. Nonetheless, early detection improves a patient’s survival rate. Luckily, the diagnostic technology needed to detect this disease is already available—digital mammography.
What is Digital Mammography?
Digital mammography is an imaging test of the breast that shows a breast lump. The images are stored digitally rather than on film as in analog mammography. It is today’s standard of care to detect early signs of breast cancer by screening for lumps and examining focal pain in the breast tissue.
According to The American Cancer Society, women ages 35 and older are recommended to undergo a mammogram to establish what is normal in their breasts. Then between ages 40 and 49, women are advised to get tested every 1 to 2 years, and once a year after reaching age 50.
Women with a high risk of breast cancer may start regular screening mammograms before age 40. Your doctor will recommend this based on your family history and reproductive factors such as late age of first childbirth.
What Are the Benefits of Digital Mammography?
Digital mammography may feel like analog mammography because of the process, but the similarity between the two ends there. Doctors now prefer digital mammograms because of the benefits listed below.
1. It produces enhanced images.
Compared to the results from analog mammography that are printed on film, the images in digital mammography are sent to a computer. This technology produces high-resolution images that can be further enhanced or manipulated on a computer.
2. The image’s brightness and contrast can be manipulated.
Another benefit to the enhanced images is its adjustable brightness and contrast. This leads to more accurate detection of signs of early cancer.
3. Your doctor can zoom in on the image.
Because the images are digital, your doctor can easily zoom on specific areas in the mammogram to detect small calcifications, masses, and other signs.
4. It has shorter exam times, with less possibility for callbacks.
Mammography does not always produce accurate and precise results. This is more common in analog mammography, which is why callbacks are made to verify the initial results. With digital mammography, the images are enhanced, which results in less possibility for callbacks.
5. Images are easily stored and transferred.
Going digital also means that you can easily store and transfer your mammograms, decreasing the possibility of losing your results due to misfiling or losing it in transit. Also, with this technology, you can quickly bring or transfer the results from one doctor to another.
Early detection of the symptoms of breast cancer play a vital role in a patient’s survival. Immediate detection and diagnosis can dictate how early your disease can be treated and managed.
Digital Mammography in Palm Beach County, Florida
Independent Imaging is your trusted provider of digital mammography. Our talented technicians and trained radiologists have 30 years of experience in service, and we guarantee fast and accurate diagnostic results.
Call us now at (561) 795-5558 to make an appointment. You may also request an appointment online.
