Medical Imaging of Manhattan has always been at the forefront of digital mammography and in June of 2000 it was the first practice in the United States to utilize it. Our office is fully equipped with the latest technology available, and along with our vast amount of experience, we are able to provide our patients with the most precise mammogram results.
A digital mammogram is different from the traditional analog method in that instead of capturing an image onto film, the information is converted into electrical signals which form a digital image. It is similar to the technology used in a digital camera.
The images are sent to the doctor's high resolution flat screen monitors for rapid precise viewing. They can also be sent to other radiologists, allowing for immediate consultations. Additional images, if needed, can be taken swiftly at the same time as the initial exam, avoiding the inconvenience and anxiety that can occur when coming for a second visit.
Digital mammograms are approved by the FDA, and studies have shown besides using less radiation, the results are more accurate than those from the traditional analog exam, especially in detecting cancer in women under the age of 50, and in women with dense breasts.
A screening mammogram at Medical Imaging of Manhattan is done for the earliest possible detection of breast cancer, when in the great majority of cases it can be cured. It is performed annually on women beginning at the age of 40. After filling out your medical history sheet, you will meet with the technologist who will take two standard images of each breast. The images are immediately sent to the radiologist's workstation, where they are viewed on two extremely high resolution flat screen monitors and compared with prior exams. Once the images have been studied, you will meet with the radiologist who will discuss the results of your exam, show you your images, answer your questions, perform a physical examination of your breasts, and make any pertinent recommendations. A report will be dictated and shortly after that a second radiologist from our practice will reread your exam. Once the report is finalized it will be sent to your referring physician.
You may elect to forgo the office consultation when coming for a screening mammogram under certain circumstances. In this setting the radiologist will send you and your physician a written report in 2-3 days after your exam was done.
To be a candidate for a screening mammogram without a consultation in our office, you have to meet the following criteria:
A diagnostic mammogram is performed on a patient when she has an abnormal finding on physical examination, a worrisome symptom, or a finding on a screening mammogram that needs special attention and evaluation. Typically extra images targeted to the area of interest are done in addition to the standard ones taken during a screening mammogram.
As with a screening mammogram, after filling out your medical history sheet, you will meet with the technologist who will take the necessary images of each breast. The images are immediately sent to the radiologist's workstation, where they are viewed on two extremely high resolution flat screen monitors and compared with prior exams. Once the images have been studied, you will meet with the radiologist who will perform a physical examination of your breasts, discuss the results of your exam, show you your images, answer your questions, and make any pertinent recommendations. A report will be dictated and shortly after that, a second radiologist from our practice will reread your exam and report prior to sending it to your referring physician.
Sometimes, when a problem is being evaluated, an additional imaging test such as a sonogram, an MRI, or a needle biopsy may be recommended.
