Radiologist fights breast cancer – professionally and personally

As a registered mammographer, Lisa Smith had preached for years the importance of having regular mammograms. But her message became personal in 1997.

Smith, now 47 and the director of radiology for Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, was diagnosed with breast cancer Dec. 17, 1997. Her tumor was only detectable through mammography, with no lump detectable by touch or sight. At the time, Smith’s reaction was one of calm aggression. "I knew I could survive this," she said. "I wanted aggressive treatment."

After a mammogram revealed her impending diagnosis, a needle localization was performed on Smith, which is another way to biopsy a tumor. A lumpectomy was considered for the next step, but Smith’s tumor was fast growing. She opted for a bilateral mastectomy, or the removal of both breasts, followed by three courses of chemotherapy. Reconstructive surgery helped restore her back to her "old self."

Having functioned on both sides of a mammography machine, Smith found that the two worlds slightly collided. I’ve been an X-ray tech for 25 years, but I became the patient," she said. "I discovered how important our caregivers really are. They encouraged me through every phase."

As director of radiology at Methodist Mansfield, a position she’s filled since the hospital opened in December 2006, Smith finds her role rewarding and challenging. She oversees all imaging modalities, including the hospital’s women’s imaging services. Methodist Mansfield Medical Center is one of the few area hospitals to offer digital mammography. On a national level, only 12 percent offer digital mammography instead of analog.

"Digital mammography shows greater detail, greater density and contrast than film," Smith said. "It’s ideal for firmer breasts, excellent for younger women." She also noted an additional benefit to the patient, one that addresses a common complaint among women. "We call (the digital mammogram) the softer mammogram. It gives cushion and makes it warm," she said.

Smith is also proud of her facility’s offering of breast MRIs, which the facility introduced in October 2008. The breast MRI can benefit women diagnosed with breast cancer, as it helps determine breast cancer staging. "I’m proud of that department and that we can call it Women’s Imaging," she said.

She touts their full-coverage range of services, including mammography, bone density testing, breast MRI, breast ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy and needle localization. When not working a rigorous schedule, Smith spends her free time attending her 12-year-old daughter Madison’s cheerleading activities. She also works with Meals on Wheels, volunteers for the hospital and continues to spread the word about the importance of regularly scheduled mammograms.

"Mammography can save your life," she said. "Don’t wait six months. Don’t wait a year. Don’t delay. Mammography can save your life. Don’t wait six months. Don’t wait a year. Don’t delay.