The first digital mammogram Selenia has been installed at the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The 2D digital mammography is part of the Kerala government’s plan of installing the PACS or (Picture Archiving and Communication System) at the RCC at a budget of Rs. 6 crore. The 2D digital mammogram has been installed at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crore.

Kerala’s Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the state’s first digital mammogram at the Centre. State Health Minister V S Sivakumar and MLA MA Vaheedh were also present for the inauguration.

Selenia Dimensions 2D full-field digital mammography is developed by US-based imaging giant Hologic and is marketed in the country by Trivitron.

Hologic Selenia Dimension 2D is a full-filed digital mammography system. This sophisticated digital mammography equipment is combined with advance technology and unique user-friendly features which provide a platform for superior screening as well as diagnostic mammography.

“Digital mammography is quick and easy procedure giving less discomfort to the patients compared to conventional system. The dose of radiation is low and accuracy on target (tumour) is high. All images are archived and stored digitally and hence loss or damage of films will not affect patient care during follow up. Since it is digital, it can be sent electronically to other centre’s for another opinion. Storing digitally creates an enormous database, which is useful to teach and train the younger generation,” said Dr Paul Sebastian, RCC Director and Head of Surgical Oncology.

Dr GSK Velu, founder and managing director, Trivitron, said “Compared to the conventional systems, 2D mammography is more efficient in detecting subtle breast tissue changes, ultimately enhancing earlier breast cancer detection. It has been designed to produce simple and crystal clear digital imaging patterns and its superior image quality could be configured for 3D breast imaging. This technology is the ideal choice for centres that want a flexible digital breast imaging platform with state-of-the-art image acquisition and display features.”