The era of full field digital imaging is here. Going digital can extend our reach, conserve time and improve care. Our centre has the state of the art full field digital mammography machine, “Lorad Selenia”, with a high resolution work floor station, first of its kind in Tamilnadu. Selenia offers a detector size of 24 cm x 29 cm, the largest in the industry, accommodating almost all breast sizes with a single exposure.

Advantages of having a digital mammogram at our centre
Quicker Procedure
Digital mammography images can be viewed in seconds allowing the mammographer to confirm proper positioning and reducing the likelihood of having to come back for additional images.

Fewer Retakes
Digital mammogram has the capability to acquire images in near real time, to adjust contrast levels, image manipulation like magnification for improved decision making. This also results in fewer retakes that may be required otherwise.

Better Accuracy and Lower Radiation
Going digital ensures that there is a better detection and diagnostic capabilities at a lower dose of radiation, particularly in the 40-50 age group.

Digital Storage and Transfer
Going digital also means that we can electronically archive, and retrieve at any time without the risk of losing or damaging films. Images can also be sent electronically anywhere for second opinions without loss of information.

Storing it digitally creates an enormous database, which is useful to teach and train the younger generation.

To make it more comfortable we have the option to use mammopad.

Mammopads are available to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Pain, or fear of pain, is cited as one of the main reasons why 40 percent of women over the age of 40 do not get their annual screening mammograms. The Mammopad® breast cushion is a soft, foam pad that helps minimize discomfort during a screening mammography. The cushion is placed on the imaging receptor, creating a warmer, softer surface between the woman and the mammography system.  

Clinical studies show that use of Mammopad reduces discomfort by 50% for three out of four women.

SecurViewDX diagnostic workstations are dedicated digital mammography review stations with efficient workflow and image manipulation tools for the radiologist.

High frequency ultrasound is used for diagnosis and also used to guide interventional procedures. The centre is equipped with Alpha 6 from Aloka Japan, and Sonosite. Both the machines have special features that gives excellent quality images for accurate imaging.

Benefits of ultrasound

• It is quick, painless and does not involve any radiation.
• It rapidly distinguishes fluid filled cysts from solid lumps.
• It accurately documents the size and shape of an abnormality.
• It provides a valuable first impression as to whether solid lumps look benign, indeterminate or obviously malignant. This may influence the selection and timing of subsequent tests.
• It guides needle biopsy making this procedure quick, accurate and comfortable.

Ultrasound is particularly useful for assessing symptoms in the following situations

• Young women less than 35 years of age.
• Pregnancy
• Assessment of very lumpy, dense breast tissue that is not well seen on mammorams.
• Women with implants
• Breast infection to exclude an abscess

For a fine needle aspiration cytology ( FNAC) a thin needle is inserted into the lump and cells are removed. This feels rather like having an injection done. The cells are spread into a slide and the pathologist looks at the cells for a diagnosis.

Core biopsy gives more information than cytology. Local anesthesia is injected to numb the skin. Tissue is taken from the breast lump with a needle usually under ultrasound guidance. This tissue is then processed in the lab and results will be available in a few days.

For lesions that are visualized on mammogram, but not palpable, we zero in on them to get adequate tissue sample by using a prone table stereotactic biopsy system, (South Asia’s first prone table biopsy system). The MultiCareTM Plantinum prone breast biopsy table offers the latest advances in stereotactic technology making it the ideal system for characterization of calcifications, masses and architectural distortion. Intuitive Cartesian Coordinates ensure accurate targeting (+/- 1mm) and safe, easy access to all lesions, including the chest wall and axillary regions.

The exclusive contoured table allows the patient to lie comfortably in either direction throughout the procedure. The C-arm can be positioned at any angle through 180. providing true 360. access. Flexible positioning capability ensures easy access from the shortest skin to lesion distance and direct access to inferior lesions.

Digital spot mammography (DSM) offers a wide array of tools for effective targeting and image enhancement. Moreover, MulticareTM platinum is compatible with most biopsy devices for exceptional performance and compassionate care.

Our centre is equipped with the ATEC vacuum device, which is the latest in vacuum assisted breast biopsy technology.

A biopsy procedure with ATEC involves

• A one time needle insertion under local  anesthesia
• No stitches
• No hospitalization
• No general anesthesia
• Ensures good samples for a definitive diagnosis and allows women to get back to her normal activities immediately.