New technology at Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital allows radiologists an improved method to screen patients for breast cancer, allowing for increased detection of early breast cancer with decreased “false alarms.”
The hospital now offers the option of 3D tomosynthesis mammography or standard 2D mammography for breast imaging. The technology combines multiple images of the breast taken in an arc over the breast to allow the radiologist to “page” through the breast tissue like flipping through the pages of a book. This often allows the radiologist an enhanced ability to see through clumps of normal breast tissue to identify abnormalities and at the same time decrease the number of women asked to come back for ultimately benign reasons.
“Three-dimensional mammography improves the detection of small cancers by up to 30 percent over conventional 2D screening mammography,” said Dr. Leah Carlson, Lead Interpreting Physician, Mammography. “Having multiple 'slice' images also greatly reduces the need for call-backs or additional testing.”
Philanthropy provided 100% of the dollars needed for the 3D Mammography Upgrades at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital. More than $325,000 was raised from 140 community donors to fund the new equipment. POMH expects to perform about 2,000 mammography tests annually. “I am pleased that the hospital can provide this state of the art service in our community and am very grateful to the donors that made the purchase of this technology possible.” said Kristi Johnson, Chief Operating Officer. “Patients requiring 3D mammography can now receive this service close to home.”
The technology was approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 2011 and has been used at Munson Healthcare facilities for several years. Patients need a specific 3D mammography order from their provider to receive this test. Not all insurances currently cover the technology or may have restrictions on how often it is covered. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance carrier before their exam.
The new 3D mammography technology is located in the Radiology Department on the main floor of the hospital. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 800-968-9292.