New Ally in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Posted on: 02/09/2006

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:    Nicole Crawford, Marketing Specialist
        Windsong Radiology Group
  (716) 631-2500 ext. 140
 
ncrawford@windsongradiology.com     
www.windsongradiology.com

New Ally in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2006

Williamsville, NY - Selenia™ digital mammography from Hologic® has been added to the comprehensive diagnostic services dedicated to women and the early detection of breast cancer at Windsong Radiology Group. 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 resulting digital images are immediately available to the radiologist for diagnosis.

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. Our goal is provide the best possible care to women.

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 breast center, 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.

Additional clinical data has been recently released to support digital mammography.  According to Diagnostic Performance of Digital versus Film Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening (October 27, 2005; pg. 1773), which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine: “The overall diagnostic accuracy of digital and film mammography as a means of breast cancer screening is similar, but digital mammography is more accurate in women under the age of 50 years, women with radiographically dense breasts, and premenopausal or perimenopausal women.”

To supplement this digital technology, Windsong Radiology Group incorporated Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) in 2001 for analog mammography. When CAD became available for digital mammography in 2002, another unit was installed at Windsong Radiology Group. They were the first of its kind in Buffalo. Digital CAD highlights characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer. When activated, it flags abnormalities to help the radiologist detect early breast cancer. CAD is, in essence, a second set of eyes to support and enhance the radiologist's judgment.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer.  Statistics demonstrate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97%. 

Windsong Radiology Group is committed to the fight against breast cancer. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact (716) 631-2500.

The Windsong Radiology Group was founded in 1987 and has a radiologic team to 13 physicians.  The Windsong Radiology Group provides a full range of diagnostic imaging services, including Mammography, Ultrasound, Bone Density, X-Ray, CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Western New York’s first PET/CT scanner for cancer imaging. 

For full information on the Windsong Radiology Group, please visit www.windsongradiology.com or contact Nicole Crawford at 716-631-2500 ext. 140.