Cancer

Digital Mammography Now Available at Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital has a new digital mammography system, along with computer aided detection (CAD) equipment that enhances screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. The new digital equipment will replace the existing mammography system currently located at Reed City Hospital.

Digital images can be manipulated and viewed from multiple angles using various magnifications, allowing the radiologist to better detect masses in the breast. Digital mammography also uses less radiation. “It is a superior tool for screening and the diagnosis of breast cancer—digital mammography will soon become the industry standard,” says Linda Rubin, COO, Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital. 

Spectrum Health radiology physicians who specialize in mammography read the digital studies. These radiologists read thousands of studies each year, which hones their ability to detect suspicious images for further clarification and follow-up. By utilizing the same advanced technology and radiologists as Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, patients no longer need to travel far from home for digital imaging and breast cancer detection.

The addition of digital mammography and computer aided detection (CAD) benefits Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital’s existing cancer and women’s health programs. Patients with a suspicious findings also have access to breast ultrasound imaging and surgical breast biopsies for more definitive diagnosis. Last year, Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital invested in a stereotactic breast biopsy table that improves breast biopsy procedures. Using this system, the surgeon performs breast biopsies using minimally invasive techniques. The new digital mammography will complement the stereotactic equipment, making images of a tumor site more visible and accessible to the surgeon performing the biopsy.

If cancer treatment is necessary, patients can receive infusion or radiation therapy in Reed City. Crossroads Radiation Therapy Center offers treatment from a linear accelerator machine that produces beams of high-energy radiation directed at cancer cells. Infusion therapy is also offered locally. The cancer team in Reed City collaborates with teams at the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion in Grand Rapids to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. 

“Digital mammography is a great addition to our team approach in local cancer care,” says Rubin. “Women can be screened, diagnosed and treated close to where they live or work.”

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital is a 25 bed acute care hospital located in Reed City, Mich. that has adopted the Planetree approach to care giving. A model of patient centered care in a healing environment, staff is committed to improving medical care from the patient’s perspective, empowering patients and families through education, information and encouraging healing partnerships with caregivers. Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital has been recognized for its quality care by the Michigan Quality Improvement Organization as well as The Michigan Center for Rural Health and has earned the Governor’s Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Hospital Setting for 3 consecutive years, the Total Benchmark Solution quality award for 2005 and the 2006 and 2007 VHA Leadership Award for clinical excellence.