New technology benefits Washakie mammography patients

Worland, WY (Aug. 4, 2009) –  Washakie Medical Center, a Banner Health critical-access hospital serving the residents of Big Horn Basin, has installed a new system that uses advanced computer-aided detection with digital mammography.

The new system uses SecondLook® Digital Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) technology from iCAD, Inc., which can help radiologists in distinguishing potential cancers from other anomalies in the breast. This advanced imaging technology, now available to Washakie Medical Center patients, is extremely proficient in helping the radiologist detect subtle cancers, or those that are most likely to be missed.

“Full-field digital mammography has been shown to be more accurate in certain populations of women, and CAD is an important tool that highlights the areas of a mammogram warranting closer inspection,” said Thomas McCallum, MD, radiologist for Washakie Medical Center.

“We feel it is our duty to provide our patients with the very best technology, comparable to or better than what is available in larger cities, in order to diagnose potential cancers at the earliest possible stage.”

SecondLook CAD technology is designed to assist the radiologist in distinguishing potential cancers from other anomalies in the breast. This advanced imaging technology, now available to Washakie Medical Center patients, is extremely proficient in helping the radiologist detect subtle cancers, or those that are most likely to be missed.

CAD technology was recently included in a peer-reviewed study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology (Volume 192, Issue 2). The study, titled “Detection of Breast Cancer with Full-Field Digital Mammography and Computer-Aided Detection,” found the following:

•  CAD with full-field digital mammography showed a high sensitivity in identifying cancers
•  The SecondLook CAD correctly marked 94 percent of biopsy-proven cancers
• The sensitivity of iCAD’s SecondLook CAD was not dependent on the size of the tumor; it was equally accurate with small and large lesions

About Washakie Medical Center
Washakie Medical Center is a critical access care hospital.  We also provide outpatient treatment and specialty clinic radiography and fluoroscopy suite, laboratory, an emergency room, updated semi-private and private patient rooms, a rehabilitation center, operating room and ambulatory surgery services.