LPIC offers digital mammography which provides several benefits over standard mammography.  With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast using special high-resolution monitors.  The physician can adjust the brightness, change the contrast, and zoom in for close-ups of specific areas of interest.  The ability to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital mammography.

To supplement this technology, LPIC has incorporated digital Computer-Aided Detection (CAD).  CAD highlights characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer and is designed to flag abnormalities to help the radiologist detect early breast cancer.  CAD is, in essence, a second set of eyes to support the radiologist.

Another convenience of digital mammography over film-based systems is that it can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over and under exposure.  This potentially saves additional time and reduces your exposure to x-rays.

And when a suspicious lump or abnormality is detected, the center offers two forms of breast biopsy – Ultrasound-Guided and Strereotactic.    When the abnormal area in the breast is too small to locate by hand (palpitation), image-guided biopsy is performed.  During a biopsy, a physician will remove some cells, usually through a minimally-invasive procedure involving a hollow needle, from a suspicious area in the breast.  This tissue is then examined under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. 

In ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, ultrasound imaging is used to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth.  Ultrasound guidance is used for fine needle aspirations (FNA), core needle (CN), vacuum-assisted device (VAD), and wire localization.

In streotactic breast biopsy, a special mammography unit uses ionizing radiation to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth.  Streotactic guidance is used for core needle (CN) and vacuum-assisted device (VAD).