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Advanced Technology in Diagnostic Imaging05/24/2007
Over the years great medical strides have been made in understanding and treating breast cancer, yet the disease continues to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Copley too has been on the cutting edge of breast imaging technology and cancer care.
In January, 2003 the hospital welcomed board-certified general surgeon, Dyeanne Racette. In addition to her broad range of general, vascular and trauma surgery, Dr. Racette brought a special interest in women’s breast health. For those patients with breast lumps found on self examination or by mammogram, breast ultrasound is a technique Dr. Racette often uses in deciding if a biopsy is necessary. Should a biopsy be necessary newer less invasive techniques can be performed here at Copley. Using special equipment she can remove small pieces of the tumor to determine if they represent malignancy. “Today’s techniques eliminate the need of an incision and uses special needles that remove a small core of the tissue through a nick in the skin,” said Dr. Racette. These biopsies are performed with local anesthesia, and require no pre-procedure preparation. “They are performed right in the ultrasound room,” continued Dr. Racette. More recently, the hospital purchased a new vacuum assisted biopsy instrument that may allow complete removal of benign tumors with minimally invasive techniques.
For women with early stage breast cancer Dr. Racette can perform a procedure in which the sentinel lymph node is removed and examined by a pathologist to determine whether cancer cells are present. This procedure potentially reduces the risk of lymphedema and allows more detailed evaluation of the few lymph nodes removed.
In the fall of 2004, cutting edge technology was never more evident than with the upgrade to digital mammography. This high quality technology, the best available anywhere, allows the radiologist to view and manipulate breast images in an effort to 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 detection. Currently there are a small number of hospitals using digital mammography in the United States, and that percentage gets even smaller when looking at the number of rural hospital’s offering such an advanced technology.
It’s a fact that having a mammogram is not something most women look forward to. For some it’s the fear of the unknown and discomfort it may cause. In December 2005 in an effort to provide a more comfortable experience, the hospital began using foam pads with each mammography service. MammoPads are a soft cushions that attach to the hard and often cold compression plates. “The cushion is just another way to show our patients we care deeply about their experience, and it has helped us to bring in women who might have otherwise avoided their yearly mammogram,” said Lise Hamel, Manager Copley Radiology.
More recently, computer aided-detection (CAD) became a routine part of the breast cancer screening at Copley. CAD can be best described as a second pair of eyes, reviewing a patient’s mammogram film after the radiologist has already made an initial interpretation. If the computer software detects any breast abnormalities or areas of interest on the digital film, it marks them. The radiologist can then go back and review the mammogram film to determine whether the marked areas are suspicious and require further examination. Based on clinical studies of the CAD technology, researchers estimate that for every 100,000 breast cancers currently detected with screening mammograms, the CAD technology could result in the detection of an additional 20,500 breast cancers.
Although technology is a key element in detection, we can not forget treatment. For those women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and require surgery to remove the tumor or sometimes the breast, treatment following surgery may be required. Since 1995, Copley has been providing oncology care through its Center for Outpatient Services. Under the direction of Dr. Julie Olin, the hospital has built a recognized clinic offering state-of-the-art chemo care. This specialized care is provided in private rooms by skilled nurses who have attained their Oncology Nursing Certification.
What these advancements mean to the community is that Copley is committed to providing the best possible care and diagnosis to women.
Contact Information
Peter Wright
Senior Director Planning, Development and Medical Group Operations
Copley Health Systems
802-888-8301
pwright@chsi.org
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