SJG Weert Enhances Breast Cancer Detection with Contrast Mammography
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SJG Weert hospital has expanded its breast cancer diagnostic capabilities with the introduction of contrast mammography (CEM). This new technique utilizes contrast fluid during mammography to improve the visibility of tumors, even small ones, offering faster clarity for patients and optimizing the use of MRI resources. The hospital now offers a complete range of breast cancer diagnostic tools in-house.
Improved tumor Visibility with Contrast Mammography
Traditionally, if a mammogram (an X-ray of the breast) reveals a suspicious area, further examination typically involves ultrasound, MRI, or a biopsy. SJG Weert now offers contrast-enhanced mammography as an additional option. During CEM, a contrast fluid is injected into the arm via an infusion just before the mammogram. This fluid accumulates in malignant tissue, making tumors more prominent on the resulting images.
Radiologist Peter Veekmans explains, “With this technique we see more and also smaller deviations in the chest. Contrast mammography has the same sensitivity as an MRI scan, which was used for this until now.” https://www.sjgweert.nl/nieuws/contrastmammografie-sjg-weert-voor-snellere-duidelijkheid-bij-borstkankeronderzoek/
Faster Diagnosis and Optimized Resources
The implementation of contrast mammography is streamlining the diagnostic process for patients referred from population screening programs. Previously, thes patients would routinely undergo an MRI scan if a mammogram showed a potential issue. Now,CEM is used as the first follow-up,reducing the need for immediate MRI scans.
This shift offers several benefits:
* Faster Clarity: Patients receive diagnostic results more quickly, reducing anxiety and time spent waiting.
* Increased MRI Availability: Fewer patients require MRI scans for initial follow-up, making the MRI scanner available for other crucial medical investigations.
Comprehensive Breast Cancer diagnostics at SJG Weert
SJG Weert now provides a complete suite of breast cancer diagnostic services,all within the hospital. These include:
* Mammography
* Contrast Mammography (CEM)
* Ultrasound
* MRI
* Ultrasound-guided biopsy
* MRI-guided biopsy
“We now offer all mammadiagnostics in our own hospital,” confirms the hospital. https://www.sjgweert.nl/nieuws/contrastmammografie-sjg-weert-voor-snellere-duidelijkheid-bij-borstkankeronderzoek/
Understanding Contrast-Enhanced mammography (CEM)
Contrast-enhanced mammography is a relatively new technique gaining traction as an effective tool in breast cancer detection. It combines the benefits of traditional mammography with the enhanced visualization provided by contrast agents. The contrast agent,typically containing iodine,highlights areas with increased blood flow,a characteristic of cancerous tumors. This allows radiologists to identify smaller tumors and better assess their characteristics.
Looking ahead
The introduction of contrast mammography at SJG Weert represents a meaningful advancement in breast cancer diagnostics, offering patients faster, more accurate results and optimizing the use of valuable medical resources. As CEM becomes more widely adopted, it is indeed expected to play an increasingly critically important role in early breast cancer detection and improved patient outcomes.
Date: 2024-02-29 (Updated from original date to reflect current date)