Radiologists at Western Baptist Hospital are taking a second look at mammograms. Second Look®, a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for mammography, assists radiologists in breast cancer detection by providing a computerized second review of mammograms. The review process draws the physicians’ attention to potential areas of concern that may indicate the presence of cancer.

According to Dr. Sharron Butler, radiologist at Western Baptist Hospital, this new technology can aid physicians in detecting subtle variations in tissue that may be of concern. The result is more accurate and comprehensive diagnoses.

“With the use of Second Look, we can obtain additional information without having patients endure additional procedures or testing,” Dr. Butler explains. “A standard mammogram is all that’s required to perform CAD on mammograms. With this new technology, we’re able to see things that may have gone unnoticed as a result of a routine mammogram.”

How does Second Look technology work? Once a patient has had her annual mammogram, the patient information is entered into the Second Look system using a bar code reader or interactive touch screen. Next, the patient’s mammogram is fed into the system and the Second Look software analyzes it using proprietary algorithms. Second Look then produces a laser-printed report, the Mammagraph™, which highlights potential areas of concern. After viewing the original mammogram, the radiologist uses the Mammagraph to assist with his or her interpretation.

“We’re very pleased and excited to offer this new technology at Western Baptist Hospital,” says Dr. Butler. “We strive to provide our patients the best in care and Second Look is one way we’re doing just that. A second read that increases the chances of catching breast cancer in its earliest stages is a very valuable tool.”

For more information about the new Second Look mammography system at Western Baptist Hospital or for information on scheduling your mammogram, call Baptist Health Line at 270-575-2918.