Spencer Hospital Adds 3D Mammography Technology

Spencer Hospital has added three-dimensional mammography technology to its array of diagnostic imaging  services for enhanced patient care. 

Three-dimensional (3D) mammography combines traditional mammography with advanced breast tomosynthesis technology. 3D mammography still requires breast compression, yet during an exam, an X-ray arm also sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images.  A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. 

“The hospital and its radiologists are excited to offer 3D mammography to our patients,” said Mary Brosnahan, Spencer Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging director.   “Over time, studies have demonstrated 3D imaging enhances images of tissue abnormalities, particularly for women with dense breasts. The three dimensional views enable our radiologists to better visualize the images from a variety of angles.”  

The hospital, based on the recommendation of its radiologists, acquired a Hologic Genius 3D mammography system after assessing a range of 3D systems. 

“This system allows us to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of abnormalities, which leads to better detection and greater peace of mind for our patients,” commented  radiologist Dr. Charlie Crouch. 

Crouch pointed out that a study printed in a 2014 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the Genius 3D Mammography exam resulted in a 29% increase in the detection of all breast cancers and a 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers, along with a 15% decrease in women recalled for additional imaging. 

“Spencer Hospital is committed to the fight against breast cancer,” Brosnahan stated. “In addition to providing state-of-the-art technology, we have highly skilled registered mammography technologists and breast health navigators. Our wish is for all women to be familiar with the recommended guidelines for breast cancer screenings and to schedule their mammograms accordingly.”

While insurance coverage for mammograms may vary, the American Cancer Society’s 2016 recommendations are as follows:
•    Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so. 
•    Women age 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year. 
•    Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
•    Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer. 
•    All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening. They also should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a health care provider right away.

(Reference: American Cancer Society/www.cancer.org)

While some imaging centers use the 3D capability only when patients meet specific medical criteria, Spencer Hospital will use the 3D system on all mammography patients unless the patient requests traditional two-dimensional mammography.  To schedule a screening mammogram, call the Spencer Hospital diagnostic imaging department at (712) 264-6500.