Lancaster General performs more than 40,000 mammograms a year. By next spring, all of our facilities that
conduct mammograms will offer digital mammography technology. It is currently available at five Lancaster General testing sites.

 

“Digital mammography is a phenomenal new technology,” says Jennifer Kegel, MD, Section Chief of Breast Imaging, Lancaster Radiology Associates. “It provides a mammogram with increased contrast resolution and better visibility of the structures of the breast.

 

“It also lets the radiologist manipulate the images so we can see things with a digital mammogram that we couldn’t see with the traditional film-screen mammogram,” Dr. Kegel says.

 

Digital mammography is currently available at the following Lancaster General locations: Women & Babies Hospital – Outpatient Pavilion Suzanne H. Arnold Center for Breast Health Lancaster General – Norlanco Lancaster General – Kissel Hill Lancaster General – Willow Lakes It will be offered at Lancaster General – Columbia in 2009.

In addition to an improved image, digital mammography leads to fewer repeat tests (which are needed when a patient moves or takes a deep breath during the test) and the image is immediately available for the technologist—no waiting for films to develop.

 

Screening mammography is one test that patients can schedule without a physician order, and in most cases, it is covered by health insurance.

 

 

“Digital technology changes the entire work process associated with breast cancer screenings,” says Kathy Harrison, Vice President of Operations at Lancaster General. “It enables us to schedule more patients in a day because we can perform the test more efficiently than the traditional test.”

 

A screening mammogram is a 15-minute test recommended for all women beginning at age 40. The test lets physicians monitor breast tissue over time.

 

A diagnostic mammogram is performed if a patient has an irregularity detected on her screening mammogram, or if a lump is present.

 

Lancaster General is also using digital technology for breast exams done with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The digital MRI is a highly sensitive test used in specific circumstances.

 

“A breast MRI doesn’t replace a mammogram because it cannot detect certain types of cancer,” says Dr. Kegel. “A breast MRI is not typically used as a screening test. The most common indication for a breast MRI is for surgical planning on a woman diagnosed with breast cancer.”

 

Breast MRI is performed by the MRI Group at the Lancaster General Health Campus, and at Lancaster General-Norlanco. Lancaster General is a member of the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network.

 

To schedule an appointment for a digital screening mammogram, talk to your doctor or call Lancaster General at 544-5941.