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The Comprehensive Women's Imaging Center Now Offers Digital Mammography

Photo of a woman and a nurse about to perform a mammography
Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among U.S. women. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of breast cancer has saved the lives of many thousands of women each year. Striving to remain at the forefront of breast cancer imaging, The Comprehensive Women's Imaging Center at Wellington now offers digital mammography.

Like conventional (film screen) mammography, digital mammography uses X-rays to create a detailed image of the breast. Instead of a film cassette, however, an electronic detector captures the image, which is converted to a picture in less than a minute and reviewed on a computer monitor. The magnification, brightness, contrast and orientation of the image can be digitally manipulated, which can help to improve early detection and may also eliminate repeat visits for additional imaging.

Other advantages of digital mammography are shortened exam time and even less radiation exposure than in low dose conventional mammography. In addition, the radiologist has the ability to digitally transmit the images to other team members for consultation.

For some women, digital mammography may be a more effective way to diagnose breast cancer. The Digital Mammography Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and including nearly 50,000 women across the United States, found digital mammography may be beneficial to these groups:

  • Women younger than 50
  • Women of any age with very dense breasts
  • Pre- or perimenopausal women

At The Center, radiologists use high-quality ultrasound and MRI to complement digital mammography in diagnosing early breast cancer. If an abnormality is detected, specialists also have the capability to perform an image-guided biopsy.

"With advances in digital mammography and other diagnostic tools over time, Wellington Regional Medical Center will remain at the forefront of community education, promoting the importance of early breast cancer detection in saving women's lives," says Eric Grimm, DO, an interventional breast radiologist.

To schedule an appointment for mammography at The Comprehensive Women's Imaging Center at Wellington, please call 561-798-8513.

When to See Your Doctor
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammography for women age 40 and older. Women of all ages, however, should examine their breasts once a month to check for any changes or abnormalities. See your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following during your monthly self-exam:

  • A lump in or near your breast or under your arm
  • Thick or firm tissue in or near your breast or under your arm
  • Nipple discharge or tenderness
  • A nipple pulled back (inverted) into the breast
  • Itching or skin changes such as redness, scales, dimples or puckers
  • A change in breast size or shape

Photo of Eric Grimm, DO
Eric Grimm, DO, is a board-certified interventional breast radiologist with cross-sectional imaging fellowship training. Dr. Grimm is a partner of Wellington Imaging Associates.

Wellington Regional Medical Center,
10101 Forest Hill Blvd.
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 798-8500