Danbury Hospital Acquires Computer System To Aid In Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Danbury Hospital has acquired a computer-aided detection (CAD) system to assist radiologists in the diagnosis of breast cancer. The system, manufactured by the CADx Corporation, works with both film and digital mammogram, and represents the most up-to-date imaging technology in the fight against breast cancer.

After the radiologist interprets a mammogram, the images are fed into a dedicated computer system that uses specialized software for image analysis. The CAD system produces a visual report called a “mammograph” that identifies areas of potential concern. The radiologist then re-reviews the mammogram in light of the findings of the CAD “mammograph” to develop a final diagnosis.

“It’s called the ‘Second Look’ system and that’s just what it does,” said Anna Mah, MD, medical director of Women’s Imaging. “It requires additional work for the radiologist, but it’s worth it,” she said.

“The benefit for the patient is that it ensures that possible normal, human frailties such as fatigue or distraction will not result in potential missed cancers. The radiologist essentially reviews the mammogram twice, before and after looking at the CAD report, and if he or she has overlooked something, hopefully the CAD will have picked it up, and it will be dealt with correctly.”

Not all third-party payers have approved payment for this procedure. For now, the Department of Radiology will use the CAD device for studies authorized by either patients or insurance. The hospital is hopeful that ultimately all insurance companies will embrace this new technique.

Results of research on CAD installations at large academic centers suggest that patients will benefit from the system. Most studies have shown that more cancers could be detected sooner when CAD augments mammography screening.

In introducing the CAD system, Scott Berger, MD, PhD, vice chairman of the Department of Radiology, said, “We want our community, including our patients and the doctors who refer to us, to know that mammograms performed under the supervision of Danbury Hospital radiologists, including Danbury Diagnostic Imaging and Physicians for Women, will be enhanced with this technique.”

When asked how doctors feel about having a machine look at their work, Dr Mah replied, “The radiologists and administration have worked hard to bring CADx here. We now have the opportunity to utilize this helpful technology in our work. It’s become part of how mammography is being performed and interpreted at the leading centers of the country. We are hopeful that it will help detect cancers early.”