News Releases

Digital Mammography Now Available at Memorial Hermann Southwest Breast Care Center

Houston, Texas, May 4, 2006 – 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 the Breast Care Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital.

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.

“Digital mammography will help us detect smaller lesions in our younger patients with family histories of breast cancer,” said Stephen Rose, M.D., medical director of the Breast Care Center. “This can help us diagnose patients sooner so they can begin treatment earlier.”

Digital mammograms offer several advantages. Detailed images are available immediately and can be enhanced, stored digitally and transmitted instantaneously to physicians’ offices or other facilities. The images also can be acquired more quickly, which reduces testing time.

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

“CAD gives us a second set of ‘eyes’ reviewing the images,” Dr. Rose said. “This software picks up subtle calcifications that even a mammographer’s highly trained eye may not detect.”

With dedicated mammographers 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.

To schedule an appointment, please call 713-456-5150, option 2.

For more information, contact Media Relations.