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As diagnostic imaging manager at Bartlett Regional Hospital, Ernest Wick knows all about picture-taking - of the body, that is.

His diagnostic imaging includes X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI, computer axial tomography (CAT scans) and mammography.

"It involves all the areas that the human body can be imaged in some way, shape or form," Wick said. "Each of the modalities uses a separate type of machine that is capable of either imaging a certain part of the body or imaging certain type of diseases or normal function."

Specifically, the mammography machine is used for early detection of breast cancer.

"It involves compressing the breast and taking a picture, an X-ray," Wick said.

Women should receive annual mammograms beginning at age 40, according to Wick. Beside early detection, such screenings provide doctors with a comparison picture for the future, if difficulties, such as a lump or discharge, may arise.

"Also, if there is a suspicious area, the radiologist who reads the mammograms could very easily recommend having an ultrasound done," Wick said. "At the same time, there are a number of women who, based on their family history and their own personal past medical problems, may be required to have an MRI of the breast."

According to Wick, an ultrasound uses ultrasonic energy or ultrasound waves, whereas an MRI uses radio waves in conjunction with magnetic energy.

"Different structures respond to different methods of viewing them," Wick said. "A mass that shows up in an X-ray, when we do ultrasound, it may just be a fluid cyst, which would rule out a cancer, for example."

If doctors need to do a biopsy, they sometimes use ultrasounds as a "guiding tool" in an area, Wick said.

MRIs allow doctors to see smaller structures and they give doctors an idea of the function of what the breast may be, Wick said. However, because they are quite expensive compared to mammography and ultrasound, they are not typically used with breast cancer screenings.

"We have specialized criteria we use before we do MRI exams of the breast," Wick said, "because some insurance companies don't reimburse for that study unless there is significant reason for doing it."

According to Wick, Bartlett has five mammography technologists who use a total of three film-screen mammography machines, two in the hospital and one in the mobile mammogram van, which visits many Southeast communities (Metlakatla, Klawock, Craig, Kake, Angoon, Hoonah, Haines, Skagway and Yakutat) in the spring and fall.

But Wick said he hopes to replace the film-screen machines with two digital machines, one for the hospital and one for the van, early next year.

Wick said the digital machines produce an image on a screen which allows doctors to "see things better than film."

"It's going to be a phenomenal experience for female patients to have a digital experience here at Bartlett and the surrounding communities," he said.

And because it's electronic, digital mammography reduces the number of X-rays a patient has to undergo.

"The technology is able to see the pictures right away, without developing the film," Wick said. "Digital mammography is now considered state-of-the-art for mammography, and we're really fortunate to be moving in that direction."

On a side note, Bartlett also has a sterio tactic biopsy table, which uses a needle to take a biopsy of the affected area so it can be analyzed under a microscope.

All in all, Wick does like most doctors and technicians who have worked around breast cancer and breast cancer patients - he advocates annual mammograms.

"It doesn't matter whether you have a digital or screen-film mammogram," he said. "What's important is that you have your mammogram. And have your mammogram on a regular basis, and at the same time, learn and perform self breast exams. The success rate in treating breast cancer is related to early detection."

• Contact Neighbors editor Kim Andree at 523-2272 or neighbors@juneauempire.com.

To read this and other articles celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit juneauempire.com/breast_cancer.