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3D Mammography

At LCHS, we understand that detecting breast cancer early is key in saving lives. We are proud to provide the most advanced mammography technology available.

3D™ Tomosynthesis Mammography provides a number of benefits, including:

  • 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers, compared to 2D.

  • More comfortable experience, lighter compression, and ergonomic design.

  • Significant reduction in false-positive recall rates by up to 40%.

  • A superior mammogram for all breast types.

  • Very low x-ray energy; well within FDA safety standards for mammography.

  • 3D™offers 120 images of each breast, rather than the standard two images.

Patients who need routine screening exams may schedule their own appointment at their convenience. Lewis County Health System accepts most major insurance plans.

The mammography department is recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence and accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Mammography guideline recommendations

  • Baseline mammogram by age 40

  • Annual mammogram age 40 and above

  • For women with first degree relative with premenopausal breast cancer, begin screening 10 years earlier than the age at relatives diagnosis (but above age 30)

You deserve the best, call today to schedule your 3D Mammogram at 315-376-5213.

 

3-D Virtual CT Colonoscopy Colon Cancer Screening

Lewis County General Hospital now offers 3-D Virtual CT Colonoscopy for colon cancer diagnosis and screening. This state-of-the art procedure is an alternative to a traditional colonoscopy, which many people prefer to avoid because of the discomfort of the rigorous colon preparation, the need for anesthesia or their inability to take time off from work.

Benefits of Virtual CT Colonoscopy include:

·         Alternative to conventional colonoscopy

·         Easier colon preparation

·         No anesthesia needed

·         Convenient scheduling

·         Low radiation dose

The test is performed by a board certified radiologist.  A referral from your physician is required for virtual colonoscopy.  Authorization from some insurance companies may be necessary.

To learn more about 3-D Virtual CT Colonoscopy or to schedule an appointment, contact the LCGH Medical Imaging Department at 315-376-5213.


 128 Slice CT

The diagnostic imaging Department at Lewis County General Hospital in Lowville now offers the Siemens Somatom Definition AS Computed Tomography or CT unit.  The new CT 128 slice scanner is heralded as the ‘World’s First Adaptive Scanner’.  This new multislice CT, adapts to virtually any patient and clinical need.

This new technology offers many benefits for patients including low dose radiation exposure, fast scan time for optimal image capability, patient friendly erogonomics virtually eliminates claustrophobia, and it can accomodate most patients.    

A CT scan sees inside your body, and also into areas that cannot be visualized by standard X-ray examinations. The results of computed tomography allow your physician to diagnose certain diseases earlier and more precisely.  And since diseases are treated more successfully when diagnosed early, CT scans can help save lives. The new 128 slice CT creates a three dimensional computer model of the body, including moving organs like the heart and the lungs and only takes seconds to perform.   With CT you will receive the best of treatments from highly qualified and experienced experts.  The new technology also reduces the level of radiation that patients are exposed to. 

Other important advantages of the new 128 slice CT scan are physicians are now able to look into the coronary arteries without having to introduce a catheter.  The unit allows true to detail three dimensional images of the inside of the heart and other parts of the body. The better the image quality is, the more precise the diagnosis.  A virtual endoscopy enables a computer – aided flight through blood vessels and cavities in the body.  The physicians can, for example, examine the condition of the intestinal walls – non –invasively.

If you have any questions regarding the new 128 slice CT scanner at LCGH, please call Robert Pfeiffer, Director of Medical Imaging at LCGH at 315-376-5213.

 

Breast MRI

Breast MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is continually growing in popularity as an addition to mammography and ultrasound in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. At Lewis County General Hospital, our goal is to provide the newest technology available in our Breast Cancer Diagnostic Center. Offering Breast MRI as an option in our Breast Cancer Diagnostic Center means a more detailed look at many breast conditions will be available in a simple and non-invasive process.

Breast MRI offers valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by a mammogram or an ultrasound. Breast MRI is not meant to be used as a stand-alone modality. This means Breast MRI is not used as a screening method, but rather a problem solving tool after other imaging methods have been used. High risk patients, like those with a family history of breast cancer, may use Breast MRI as a screening tool.

The benefits of using Breast MRI are immense. It can determine if there are breast abnormalities, whether the abnormality is benign or malignant, and the size and location of the malignant abnormality. Breast MRI has the ability to discover abnormalities that may be obscured by bone with other imaging methods. It also detects small breast lesions that are sometimes missed in a mammogram. It can successfully image the dense breast common in younger women and breast implants, which is difficult to do with mammography. Most importantly, women and surgeons can make better treatment decisions through the use of Breast MRI when cancer or abnormalities are discovered.

Breast MRI, together with the only true digital mammography unit in the North Country and our high-tech Stereotactic Breast Biopsy program, we are proud to offer a comprehensive breast cancer diagnostic program to the residents of the North Country. For more information about Breast MRI at Lewis County General Hospital, please call 376-5213 or consult your personal physician.

 

Bone Density

Lewis County General Hospital offers a state-of-the-art- program. Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased bone fragility. Women are at the greater risk and approximately one third of Caucasian women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, yet more than 75% remain undiagnosed. The Bone Density Screening Program at Lewis County General Hospital is designed to help in the diagnosis of the disease and aids your doctor planning proper treatment. The Bone Densitometry program is a state-of-the-art radiology procedure, which determines bone mineral density or bone mass. This information is compared to a reference population whose age, sex and ethnic background are similar to yours. Bone mineral measurements are very highly correlated with bone strength and have been shown to help predict the potential for bone fractures. The bone density exam that your physician orders at LCGH delivers approximately one-quarter to one-tenth the radiation that occurs during an ordinary chest x-ray. The LCGH skilled radiology staff performs the test in a simple, painless and non-invasive procedure, which takes approximately 15 minutes. The Bone Density scan generates a computerized printout, with explanation, which will be provided to you and your healthcare provider. This information is reviewed by one of the staff Board Certified Radiologists in the Radiology Dept., who can accurately identify areas of concern. A Bone density exam is useful in helping your doctor diagnose osteoporosis, particularly in the early stages before broken bones occur. When the tests are repeated over time, they can also help track your rate of bone loss. If you have any question regarding osteoporosis or the bone density program at LCGH please call Robert Pfeiffer, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at LCGH at 376-5213 or consult your personal physician. 

What is Osteoporosis? From birth onward your bones are constantly renewing themselves. Slowly but steadily, old bone is removed and new bone is formed. With advancing age, particularly after menopause, old bone continues to be removed, but new bone formation starts to lag behind. This results in a gradual and steady decrease in the amount of bone material. This decrease may lead to the condition called osteoporosis, or porous bones. As bone density decreases, the bones become weaker and more likely to break (fracture). Both men and women experience progressive decrease in bone density as they age, however, it will occur more quickly and more severely in some people than others. The Bone Density Screening Program at Lewis County General Hospital is designed help in the diagnosis of the disease and aids your doctor planning proper treatment. The Bone Densitometry program is a state-of-the-art radiology procedure, which determines bone mineral density or bone mass. If you have any question regarding osteoporosis or the bone density program at LCGH please call Robert Pfeiffer, Director of Medical Imaging at LCGH at 376-5213 or consult your personal physician. If you are in need of a personal physician please call our physician referral service at 376-5201. 

 

Nuclear Medicine

As part of the Diagnostic Imaging Services offered at LCGH a General Electric Millennium MG Dual Head Camera is online to offer superb image quality. One reason is its sophisticated detector electronics, which promote exceptional resolution and high count rates. Another is its incorporation of advanced post-processing capabilities for everything from thyroid to cardiac to renal exams. Equally significant is the high level of attention dedicated to patient comfort. Its streamlined design and user friendly interface speed virtually every facet of operation. As a result, we’re able to complete our exams more quickly – a quality that enhances patient comfort. For more information about the Nuclear Medicine program at LCGH please contact Robert Pfeiffer @ (315) 376-5213.  

 

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

This procedure is used to obtain a more precise diagnosis of suspicious tissue changes which have been located in the mammary gland by mammography or ultrasound. Early breast cancer detection is critical for the best prognosis. The Digital Mammography Center at LCGH offers the latest and most accurate technology with its state-of-the-art Stereotactic Breast Biopsy System. Minimally invasive biopsies enhance a patient’s overall experience. Our program includes the highly skilled support of a registered mammographer, who specializes in image –guided breast biopsy procedures. The staff at LCGH is committed to early breast cancer detection. Combined with our Digital Mammography Center and the new Stereotatic Breast Biopsy System our team now offers the most patient friendly, versatile state-of-the-art program available in the area. Approximately 203,500 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year and nearly 40,000 women will die form the disease. The good news is that, according to the American Cancer Society, the breast cancer mortality rate has declined significantly between 1992 and 1998. This is attributed to both treatments and early detection. At LCGH we believe that early detection saves lives and increases treatment options. Our Digital Mammography System can identify potential breast cancer at its earliest stage – up to two years before it can be felt in a breast exam. More than 1.6 million breast biopsies are performed each year in the U.S.; approximately 80% of breast biopsies are proven benign. For more information about the new Stereotactic Breast Biopsy program at LCGH please consult your personal physician or call the LCGH Digital Mammography Center at 376-5213. 

 

Other Important Diagnostic Imaging Services:

Ultrasound
Digital Fluoroscopy
Radiography & General x-rays
128 Slice CT Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)