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Maui Diagnostic Imaging offers state-of-the-art mammography technology, revolutionizing breast cancer detection and treatment for island residents.

At Maui Diagnostic Imaging (MDi), mammography has undergone a major transformation, as the clinic recently updated to digital mammography, the first of its kind on the Valley Isle. Compared to traditional film-screen, or analog, mammograms, this digital imaging technology streamlines the process for radiologists—and more importantly, for their patients.

With digital mammography, he explained, radiologists can see results instantly, rather than waiting for films to be developed. Now breast images are captured by digital detectors and sent to a computer, where the radiologist or technician will review the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization on structures within the breast tissue.

“This kind of computer-aided diagnosis offers both specificity and sensitivity when we look at these images,” he said. “We now get a cleaner, sharper image.”

The clarity of this technology provides a more precise, clearer picture, said Dr. Kayes—creating a better opportunity to spot any abnormalities.

Additionally, he said, radiologists can now view and manipulate images, adjusting brightness and contrast, and zooming in on specific areas to identify small calcifications, masses or other changes that may indicate early breast cancer.

Even better, Dr. Kayes said, previous mammograms can be scanned in from analog and digitized. Digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically, eliminating the dependency on one set of original films, which can be misfiled or lost in transit.

While digital mammography may be a relatively new addition to modern medicine, it has already made quite an impression within the field of medicine.

According to the American Journal of Roentgenology, recent studies show that there has been a significant increase in successful breast cancer detection following the conversion from analog to digital mammography. “The number of cancers detected prior to the switch averaged between 4.1 [and] 4.5 cancers per 1,000 women imaged,” the study reported. “Following the switch, the cancer detection rate increased to 7.9 cancers per 1,000 women imaged and has remained high.”

Given the statistics, the arrival of digital mammography on Maui Diagnostic Imaging is likely to make a significant impact on cancer detection and treatment for thousands of residents.

“We offered good care with analog mammography,” he said. “And now we offer even better care with this digital technology.”

Dr. Kayes said he pursued a career in medicine so that he could help others. And with this assistance of these types of emerging technologies, he feels he will achieve his mission. “I want to save lives,” he said. “This will save lives.”

MDi provides a range of medical imaging services on Maui Diagnostic Imaging, including digital mammography, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, X-ray and bone densitometry. MDi has four locations: Maui Clinic, 53 Pu‘unene Avenue, Suite 115, Kahului; Kihei-Wailea Medical Center, Pi‘ilani Village Shopping Center, 221 Pi‘ikea Avenue, Suite B, Kihei; Triangle Square Clinic, 425 Koloa St., Kahului; Wailuku Clinic, 99 South Market St., Wailuku.

Source: Maui Diagnostic Imaging

Discuss more about Mammography in the Mammography user group.