Desert Radiologists Offers Digital Mammography
LAS VEGAS- Desert Radiologists has expanded its diagnostic imaging capabilities to include digital mammography at each of its four facilities, following nearly four years with digital mammography at their Palomino location.Digital mammography is the gold standard in early breast cancer detection. Digital mammograms replace traditional X-ray film with solid-state detectors that convert X-rays into electrical signals, similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen.
"This enhanced technology allows us to take breast cancer detection to a higher level," said William Moore, Chief Executive Officer. "We have found that digital mammograms generate more accurate detections of breast cancer than all other available forms of imagery for women younger than the age of 50 and women with dense breasts. As a result, we will be able to detect breast cancer earlier, allowing for better treatment options for the patient."
Once the mammogram is complete, the radiologist can adjust brightness, darkness or contrast of the image. Sections of the image can be magnified as well, making it easier to see subtle differences between tissues. The ability to increase contrast when looking at an image of dense tissue is particularly important, as dense breast tissue and malignant cells both appear white on a traditional film mammogram.
Other benefits of the digital mammogram include lower levels of radiation exposure and shorter times for examinations. Since digital mammograms are instantaneous and do not require developing like X-ray films, the technicians require less time and fewer acquisitions to capture the desired image.
Statistics show that one in eight women will develop breast cancer, the second leading cause of death in women. In Nevada, more than 1,600 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 300 die from it each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Annual mammography screening starting at the age of 40 in tandem with monthly self-breast examinations remain important factors for early breast cancer detection.
About Desert Radiologists
Desert Radiologists has been serving Southern Nevada since 1966. Our expert team of radiologists is the largest group of physicians providing quality diagnostic imaging in Nevada. We operate four outpatient locations throughout Las Vegas and Henderson and are radiology providers for six Southern Nevada hospitals, one Northern Nevada hospital and one hospital in Arizona. Additionally, we provide radiology services for a large Cancer Center, a group of multi-specialty medical centers and several smaller facilities throughout Southern Nevada. Desert Radiologists offers the most comprehensive procedures available including Angiography, Computed Tomography (CT), CT Colonography, Dexa Bone Densitometry, Dental Implant CT Scanning, Diagnostic Radiology (X-ray), Interventional & Cardiovascular Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Digital Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and Ultrasound. In addition, Desert Vascular Institute provides a complete array of vascular services. For more information visit http://www.desertrad.com.
