A new MammoDiagnost Philips mammography machine has just been installed to coincide with the recent introduction of the Philips Computerized Digital Radiography system thus producing a high spec high quality set up with the aim of enabling much earlier detection of breast cancer.
The new mammography unit has both 18x24cms and 24x30cms bucky systems to cater for all sizes of breast. Special dose reduction protocols are available that relate to breast thickness and there is a newly developed optimum compression device that reduces the need for over compression of the breast by automaticlly controlling the compressive force.
The unit comes with the facility to carry out fine wire localizing interventions where small non palpable cancers can be marked prior to operation to ensure complete removal. A special localizor compression plate is utilized to direct the wire down to the 2-4mms lesion.
Double plated and double read digital mammography cassettes allow for high resolution imaging of the breast and the detection of small 1-2mms foci of micro-calcification. The images are read on high resolution 5K monitors where they can be magnified and manipulated to show dense breasts in more detail. The images are stored on our PACS system for later retrieval and given to patients on either a CD disc or hard copy laser images.
This new system is complemented by an ATL 3500 Philips Colour Doppler Ultrasound unit for more depth in investigation.