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Digital Mammography Now Available at Memorial Hermann Outpatient Imaging Center

Houston, Texas – A recent government study found that digital mammography is better than traditional methods for detecting breast cancer in younger women. This new technology is now available at Memorial Hermann Outpatient Imaging Center in the Texas Medical Center, along with enhanced vascular ultrasound capabilities.

In a study of nearly 50,000 women, the National Cancer Institute found that digital mammography diagnosed more cancers than standard mammograms in premenopausal women, those younger than 50 and those with dense breast tissue. The American Cancer Society recommended that women in these categories seek digital mammograms where available.

“This is the first study to show a distinct advantage of digital mammography over conventional film-screen mammography,” said Marian Bonner, M.D., dedicated breast radiologist at Memorial Hermann Outpatient Imaging Center in the Texas Medical Center. “Many of our patients are younger than 50 with a family history of breast cancer. Digital mammography will help us detect smaller cancers in our fairly young patient population.”

Digital mammograms offer several significant advantages. Images are available immediately, and can be enhanced, stored digitally and transmitted instantaneously to a physician’s office or other facilities. The images are more detailed and can be acquired more quickly, reducing testing time.

Digital mammograms at Memorial Hermann Outpatient Imaging Center are reviewed by a dedicated breast radiologist and screened using computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) software. CAD alerts radiologists to take a closer look at areas that may be abnormal.

“Part of the advantage is having a second set of ‘eyes’ reviewing the images,” Dr. Bonner said. “CAD is good at picking up subtle calcifications that are sometimes difficult to see even with the trained human eye.”

With a dedicated, fellowship-trained mammographer at the center, follow-up testing for women who receive abnormal mammogram results can be completed in a single day. Onsite additional tests may include breast ultrasound and needle biopsy.

New ultrasound equipment is also in place at Memorial Hermann Outpatient Imaging Center, including a specialized arterial examination unit. These tests help detect blockages or narrowing of arteries and veins throughout the body. To schedule an appointment, please call 713-704-1203.

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