Panama City, Fla. - Thousands of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, but early detection increases a woman’s chance for survival. A new technology available in Bay County is making breast cancer detection easier. It’s called the Dedicated Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
The Dedicated Breast MRI is a system specifically designed to detect changes or abnormalities in the breast, which could indicate cancer. This system is available at Bay Radiology Associates in Panama City. The MRI scan takes about 30 to 45 minutes. A contrast is injected into the patient using an IV. This helps produce the image. The MRI images are clear and allow doctors to see different views of the breast.
Doctors at Bay Radiology Associates say this is the only Aurora Dedicated Breast MRI machine currently in Florida and costs about 1.3 million dollars. It is especially helpful for high risk patients or those who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer. Doctors say the MRI should not replace regular screening mammograms, but it is another tool doctors can use to detect abnormalities.
Bay Radiology Associates anticipate that patients from across the Panhandle and even Alabama will come to this area to take advantage of the technology.
Sources: Bay Radiology Associates, Panama City; Aurora Breast MRI literature
Next entry: Skin Cancer Screening
Previous entry: Rotator Cuff Surgery