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Digital Mammography

All Baystate Health locations now offer fully digital mammography.  This represents another leap forward in the technology used to diagnose breast cancer and other breast tissue abnormalities.
 
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Comparison of analog (left) and digital (right) mammography images
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Digital mammography produces exceptional sharp images, including better contrast, with greater consistency.  Since this technology does not use film, images are available for immediate viewing.  The radiologist can then manipulate the images to better evaluate the breast tissue.

 

Mammograms play a central part in the early detection of breast cancer because they can detect changes in the breast that may be early signs of cancer before they can be felt.  Digital mammography offers the following advantages:

  • Superior image quality
  • Instant images - no waiting for film to develop.  That means less time for the patient in the breast imaging suite.
  • Ability for the radiologist to manipulate the image - altering brightness, contrast and zoom-in functions, as needed.