AMC Unveils Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Tool

SARANAC LAKE - Adirondack Medical Center has recently become the only health care provider north of the New York City area to offer a new, cutting-edge diagnostic tool as part of its Comprehensive Breast Imaging Program.

This is in addition to the recently installed, state-of-the-art digital mammography unit located at the Countess Alicia Spaulding-Paolozzi Breast Center at AMC in Saranac Lake.

Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a new technology for detecting breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue, and who have already had a mammogram or breast ultrasound. 

The BSGI is intended to be used as a follow-up exam, and a mammogram is still the most important tool doctors have to screen for and diagnose breast cancer and track women who have been diagnosed.

Also known as Molecular Breast Imaging, BSGI is used when additional information is needed following conventional breast imaging.  The technology is also helpful in detecting the extent of the disease in recently diagnosed breast cancer as well as following the progression of treated breast cancer.  BSGI, or molecular breast imaging, serves as a useful tool in reducing the need for breast biopsies following inconclusive results from mammography and ultrasound.

The BSGI imaging device scans the breast with the patient seated comfortably and detects areas of accelerated metabolic activity, which are characteristic of cancer cells.  The resulting image is called a "Gammagram" by the manufacturer, Dilon Technologies.  The images are interpreted by medical doctors with years of additional specialty training in Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology.

When it comes to breast cancer, early detection saves lives.  "This is cutting edge technology, and AMC is the first facility north of New York City to offer this modality," said Cyndee McGuire.  "It is an added bonus that our Medical Center was able to unveil our BSGI imaging device during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October."

AMC's Breast Imaging Team consists of Dr. Richard Moccia, Medical Director of the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department; Dr. Howard Novick, Breast Fellowship Trained Radiologist and Director of Breast Imaging; Dr. Mary Woodhouse, General Surgeon and Director of the Comprehensive Breast Imaging Program; Melinda Serrano, Medical Imaging Director; Kathy Nixon, Lead Mammography Technician and Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) Coordinator, and a yet-to-be named Breast Care Coordinator.

For more information, talk to your doctor or call (518) 897-2293. 

Kathy Nixon, Lead Mammography Technician, demonstrates the Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) equipment
recently acquired by AMC.  AMC is the first facility north of New York City to offer this service.

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