Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver - (Page 8)

get screened Screening and diagnostic mammograms are offered at Avista Hospital from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the adjacent Boulder Medical Center facility. To schedule an appointment, call 303-673-1233. To learn more about MRI breast imaging, visit avistahospital.org. go “It’s especially helpful in diagnosing breast problems among younger patients and women with dense breast tissue,” Archer says. “And because there’s no radiation involved, it’s the exam of choice for women who are still of childbearing age.” When breast cancer has been diagnosed, threedimensional MRI imaging offers a dual advantage. “Determining the precise stage of the cancer is essential in the planning of effective treatment,” Archer says. “In addition, MRI imaging prior to surgery can assure that all abnormal tissue areas have been identiﬁed.” Avista’s technology offers the beneﬁt of bilateral-imaging coils, an advantage many systems do not. “The patient lies on her stomach on the imaging table, which allows both breasts to be suspended within the coils,” Archer says. Having concurrent images of both breasts is important over the course of care, she adds, given the prevalence of subsequent tumors among those diagnosed with an initial case of breast cancer. ❋ cost considerations Given the clarity of these 3-D images and their ability to “see beyond” the limits of mammograms, why isn’t MRI the standard in breast diagnostics? Archer says cost is a big factor. “Where a mammogram may run $200, a breast MRI will be closer to $2,500,” she says. But the value of catching a cancer early seems to be changing that view. The American Cancer Society now recommends breast MRIs for women who are genetically at risk for breast cancer. “We’re already seeing insurance companies covering the cost of MRI for patients whose breast tissue can’t be seen well with other imaging modalities,” Archer says. “I really believe that we’ll see more insurers recognizing the beneﬁt of spending those dollars earlier in the patient’s care because the outcomes will be there.” mammography and more For most women, traditional mammography delivers all the information needed for breast cancer screening. Mammograms performed at Avista Adventist Hospital imaging centers receive a computerized preview by an R2CAD system. “So we have the computer marking any tissue areas that appear abnormal, such as calcifications, masses or cysts,” says imaging director Linda Archer, RT (R) (M) (CT) BART. “Then we have the radiologist reading the original films. It’s a very effective system.” If a potential problem is identified, the woman is asked to return for a follow-up mammogram and often an ultrasound. 8 vim & vigor · fal l 2 008 http://avistahospital.org

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Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver Contents A Mission in Motion For Your Health Goal! Seeing Beyond Time Equals Muscle The Fiber Solution Prize Fighters On the Cover: Spreading the News I'm Glad I Had a... Tailor-Made Beyond the Bedside On Track Living the Good Life Little Kids, Big Decisions Zeroing In Right At Home Beating the Clock Community Connections Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver

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