Pasadena Hospital unveils contrast-enhanced spectral mammography suite

Tampa, Fla. – HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital is excited to highlight its newest stride in breast cancer detection with the opening of its contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) suite. CESM can be used in place of a traditional MRI mammogram or can immediately follow an inconclusive mammogram. CESM is ideal for patients who can't undergo a typical breast MRI due to body size, claustrophobia, pacemakers or personal preference. CESMs can be less anxiety-inducing, reduce procedure times and offer more detailed results for patients with dense breasts or who have a high amount of connective and fibro glandular tissue.

"Our patients are our top priority, and we are thrilled to introduce the contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) suite at HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital," says Brent Burish, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital. ”This innovative technology is vital in our fight against breast cancer, and it will provide our patients with more accurate and detailed results and a more comfortable experience overall. We are committed to offering the best possible care to our patients, and the addition of the CESM suite is a testament to that commitment."

HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital's Breast Health Center is one of the first hospitals in the Tampa Bay area to use this contrast-enhanced technology. CESM can identify an otherwise obscured abnormality or area of concern that could require a biopsy.

“Simply put, this new imaging technology increases the chances of successful treatment and survival,” says Chuck Nagel, imaging services director of HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital. ‘Combined with regular screening and monitoring for those with higher risk factors, CESM provides a new insight and advantage for our patients which promises to improve our quality outcomes”.

While performing a CESM, if there is an abnormality or area of concern found, a physician can order a CESM biopsy, which is quick, easy and virtually pain-free. CESM technology can increase the chances of finding small or hard-to-find tumors in especially dense breasts, which may have otherwise been missed with a traditional mammogram. To celebrate the opening of the suite, HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital will be holding a ribbon cutting on Friday, January 26 at 2:00 pm at the hospital.