It has been in operation since January 2024 a new latest generation mammography machine at theDiagnostic Senology Operational Unit of Hospital Radiology of Cona Hospitaldirected by Dr. Frame Roll. The Service is a reference for second and third level breast diagnostics of the University Hospital of Ferrara and for local screening.
The new digital mammograph, purchased with PNRR funds (Mission M6C2 “Innovation, Research and Digitalisation of the National Health Service-Investment 1.1 Modernization of the hospital technological and digital park”), is a system equipped with cutting-edge technologies for the study of the breast with the possibility, in addition to conventional digital mammography, to perform 3D tomosynthesis investigations, contrast medium mammography (CEM) and stereotactic biopsy investigations.
Tomosynthesis is a technique that reduces the overlap of the tissue elements that make up the breast, resulting in an improvement in digital mammographic diagnostic accuracy. Contrast medium mammography (CEM) is a method that combines digital mammography with the intravenous administration of iodinated contrast medium, using the technique dual-energyin order to obtain both morphological and functional information.
The system is then equipped with CAD workstations (Computer Aided Detection) which, having acquired the images from the mammograph with which it is connected, makes it possible to automatically detect tissue alterations with suspicious characteristics, both for nodular aspects and for calcifications, allowing the areas of interest to be immediately identified to proceed with a accurate analysis by the doctor and with appropriate further investigations.
“The goal is to diagnose breast cancer as early as possible – commented Dr. Rollo (pictured) – with a view to a diagnostic, therapeutic and healthcare path that is increasingly personalized to the individual patient. The new equipment will offer a valid tool to the Breast Radiology team for integrated imaging, diagnostic problem solving and the study of patients at higher risk”.