Haywood Regional Medical Center adds Contrast-Enhanced Mammography unit, doubling capacity and enhancing diagnostics

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) is thrilled to announce the addition of a new mammography unit that will significantly enhance breast imaging services locally. This advanced equipment doubles the hospital’s capacity to see patients for mammograms and introduces new capabilities for Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM), providing enhanced diagnostics for patients. CEM will be available to patients beginning in early August.

The new breast imaging device, equipped with the latest imaging technology, allows HRMC to provide faster and more detailed breast cancer screenings and diagnostics. The addition of another mammography unit creates increased capacity, allowing for more patients to be accommodated, reducing wait times and ensuring timely access to essential and advanced breast health services.

Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) is an innovative technique that involves intravenous injection of an iodine-based dye, similar to that used in CT scans, combined with a standard mammogram. CEM is FDA-approved for diagnostic breast imaging and has proven effective in assessing the extent of cancer, monitoring chemotherapy response, and investigating abnormalities.

CEM is particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue, as it improves cancer detection rates by highlighting areas that may be obscured in screening mammography. CEM detects approximately 10 cancers for every 1,000 women screened, a rate comparable to MRI.

“We are excited to enhance not only the availability of timely care for women in our community but also the advanced technology available through the CEM modality,” said HRMC CEO Christopher Brown, RN. “Doubling our mammography capacity and introducing new imaging capabilities underscores our dedication to providing the best possible care for our patients and to promoting early detection in the fight against breast cancer.”

CEM mammography is available through a referral from a licensed medical provider. Patients may self-request a screening mammogram either through their provider or by calling HRMC’s scheduling department. All mammography services are available at HRMC’s Outpatient Care Center located on the hospital campus.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit MyHaywoodRegional.com or call 828.456.7311.