Hickory, N.C.--Frye Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of digital mammography to its list of diagnostic services available at FryeCare Outpatient Imaging Services.
Two new Lorad Selenia Full Field Digital Mammography systems were added to the facility’s diagnostic services dedicated to women and the early detection of breast cancer in early December 2005. These new Selenia systems incorporate advanced imaging technology that provides sharp images.
From the patient’s point of view, a digital mammogram is like traditional film screen mammography, but uses less radiation than film mammography. Both use x-rays 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 digital data. The resulting digital images are immediately available to the radiologist for diagnosis.
“The technology allows the radiologist to view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. The radiologist 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,” commented Janet R. Szabo, MD, medical director of breast imaging of FryeCare. “This technology helps us provide high quality care and diagnosis 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 reduces the time of the procedure as well as 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.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics demonstrate that one in 8 women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s survival. According to the American Cancer Society, based on the most recent data, relative survival rates for women diagnosed with breast cancer at five years after diagnosis is 88 percent.
Frye Regional Medical Center 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 FryeCare Outpatient Imaging Services at 828-315-7050. Schedule a mammogram before March 15, 2006 and receive a free gift.
Frye Regional Medical Center, part of Tenet North Carolina, is a 355-bed acute care facility located at 420 North Center Street in Hickory. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of Catawba County since 1911. The hospital’s main campus includes a comprehensive heart center and cardiopulmonary rehab, orthopedics, bariatric surgery, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, pediatrics, center for neurosciences, cancer center and women’s pavilion. Frye has several extended campuses to serve families throughout the area, including Frye Wellness and Education Center, which houses the Center For Diabetes Self-Management Care, perinatal education and community wellness classes; South Campus for psychiatric services; Viewmont and Tate Surgery Centers; Vein and Wound Center/Infusion Care; Pain Center; Piedmont Therapy, offering sports and industrial rehabilitation; an urgent care facility; FryeCare, an outpatient diagnostic facility; Alexander Campus, which provides 24-hour emergency care along with diagnostic and laboratory services and infusion care; plus HealthPoint, which provides extensive industrial services and programs to employers.
Frye Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about the hospital, visit www.fryemedctr.com.