Digital Mammography

The Radiology department at Parkland Medical Center is pleased to announce digital mammography is available at the hospital. Parkland is the first healthcare provider in the Greater Derry Region to feature this state-of-the-art system, Selenia™ digital mammography from Hologic®, which offers the best possible images and the most flexible interactive tools.

Women who undergo routine mammograms at Parkland benefit from the latest diagnostic technology available to them, LARGE FIELD digital mammography. The LARGE FIELD detector allows most women to have their mammogram done in four exposures. In other local systems, sometimes up to eight exposures have to be taken.

Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is viewed. The radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the images. These features allow the radiologist to evaluate micro calcifications and focus on areas of concern.

To supplement this technology, Parkland has incorporated its digital Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) to complement the radiologist’s interpretation of the images. Digital CAD highlights characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer. When activated, it flags abnormalities to help the radiologist detect early breast cancer. CAD works as a second set of eyes to support and enhance the radiologist's judgment.

Digital mammography feels identical to conventional screening from a patient’s perspective, though women may notice shorter exam times and a reduction in call-backs to obtain additional images.

Click here to view our convenient Mammography appointment hours.

To schedule your yearly mammogram, call 421-2458.