Garden Park Medical Center Now Providing Digital Mammography

Garden Park has expanded its diagnostic imaging services with the addition of a new Selenia™ full field digital mammography system from Hologic®. Selenia incorporates revolutionary imaging technology that provides incredibly sharp images.

From the patient’s point of view, a digital mammogram is like traditional film screen mammography. Both use x-ray to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert x-ray energy into a digital image. The radiologist can view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. They can also adjust brightness and contrast and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses, and other changes that may be signs of early cancer.

Digital mammography offers a number of other practical advantages and patient conveniences. Because there is no waiting for film to be developed, it can significantly reduce the time patients spend in the mammography department as well as reduce the need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure. Digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically, eliminating the dependency on one set of original films which can be misfiled or lost in transit.

In conjunction with the digital mammography unit, Garden Park is also offering Computer-Aided Detection. CAD provides a “second read” of the mammogram by a computer. This assists the radiologist in making an accurate diagnosis, like spell check in word processing.

Garden Park Medical Center's mammography department brings these advantages to patients along with the use of specially designed pads for a softer-touch mammogram. This helps make the screening process more comfortable for women while still providing high resolution images. In addition, the mammography department has expanded its hours of service to better accommodate women’s schedules. Appointments are available 7:30am to 6:00pm, Monday—Friday, and 8:00am to 11:00am on Saturdays. Services are provided by certified mammography technologists Esther Turan, who has over 20 years experience and Linda Thomas who has over 26 years of experience.

Garden Park’s mammography department is accredited by the American College of Radiologists.