|
Breast Center Now Offering Extra Gentle Mammograms
The Breast Center within the Busse Center for Specialized Medicine has recently started a program called the “Extra Gentle Mammogram”. This service has been designed to serve the needs of women who are fearful about having this vital screening procedure. It is estimated that as many as two-thirds of women do not follow established guidelines for mammographic screening, with one of the major factors being fear of the breast compression used during mammographic imaging. In addition to the actual discomfort of the procedure, the expectation of pain and associated anxiety lead many women to avoid mammography.
The Extra Gentle Mammogram is an individualize program that may include:
- Flexible paddles on the mammographic equipment that adjust to the specific shape of the woman’s breast, varying compression more appropriately
- MammoPads, soft foam rubber cushions that provide comfort and warmth during breast compression
- The use of oral and/or topical analgesic medication to help alleviate discomfort
For a woman to obtain an Extra Gentle Mammogram, she should specifically request this service when calling to schedule her appointment (847.618.3700). She will then be put into contact with a breast health specialist who can discuss and plan an appropriate approach.
Components of the Extra Gentle Mammogram. The compression paddle (black arrow) tilts to vary compression based upon breast shape. MammoPads (red arrows) are attached to the paddle and base of the mammography unit for comfort and warmth.
|
|
|
|
Outpatient Radiopharmaceutical I-131 Ablation Now An Option For Thyroid Cancer Patients
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency recently changed their policy regarding the release of patients receiving radioactive I-131 for thyroid ablation. Previously, the doses administered for cancer patients (typically 100-200 mCi) required inpatient hospitalization for approximately 2 days, this a significant patient inconvenience and also associated with substantial costs. Under the new guidelines, most thyroid cancer patients can be treated as outpatients assuming they meet certain conditions, namely:
- Capable of self care
- No children or pregnant women in the home
- Able to keep at least 6 feet away from others while home
- Most importantly - specifically during the first two days after treatment - be able to sleep alone, have sole use of a bathroom, not travel by airplane or mass transportation, and not have a prolonged automobile trip with others
If these conditions can be met, outpatient therapy may be an option. This will require a separate patient consultation appointment with a radiologist prior to administering the I-131 dose. Please call 847.618.5850 if you wish to have a thyroid cancer patient evaluated for possible outpatient I-131 therapy.
Outpatient treatment of thyroid cancer patients with radioactive I-131 is now an available at Northwest Community Healthcare.
For more information about Northwest Radiology Associates, the services we provide, and how to contact individual radiologists, please visit our web site: northwestradiologyassociates.com.
If you wish to be added to our distribution list, or if you have any questions or comments, please email: ckalbhen@northwestradiologyassociates.com.
|
.gif){kind=spacer}