Scripps gets new weapon in cancer battle

Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to showcase the newly remodeled Breast Imaging Center, which includes three new digital mammography machines.

Scripps Mercy’s Chula Vista campus was the first hospital in San Diego County to be designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (COE) by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in all of the College’s voluntary breast-imaging accreditation programs and modules-in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program.

High-quality mammography is the most effective technology available for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Screening mammograms are recommended for all women beginning at the age of 40, even if they show no signs or symptoms of breast disease. This exam is important in evaluating breast tissue for any abnormalities, including cysts or other malignancies. Digital mammograms are more comfortable than traditional mammograms and are preformed in about half the time. Images are available more quickly and are stored electronically. They provide more accurate readings and use less radiation. The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes to complete.

As the first hospital in San Diego County with this COE designation, Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista breast imaging services are fully accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, have determined that Scripps Mercy Chula Vista’s Imaging Center has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.

The Scripps Mercy Hospital Breast Imaging Center is located at 480 4th Ave., Suite 212, in Chula Vista.