Springfield Hospital now offering 3D breast imaging

 

Excellence in Pink logo for Springfield Hospital

 

SPRINGFIELD

The Breast Care Center at Springfield Hospital is introducing the latest technology in breast imaging that offers patients a new level of sophistication in diagnostic technology.  Breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, produces exceptional three-dimensional images of the breast, allowing radiologists to manipulate the images to see areas of concern from all angles, and ultimately improve the cancer screening process.

“We’re pleased that Springfield Hospital has chosen to introduce this new technology to the region,” says Jennifer Krawitt, MD, director of the Breast Care Center at Springfield Hospital.  “Breast tomosynthesis improves the radiologist’s ability to visualize breast tissue, by decreasing the effect of overlapping areas and allowing for more effective identification of size, shape and location of abnormalities. Conventional 2D mammography is limited by overlapping, superimposed breast tissue which can cause the mammogram to look suspicious, even when no lesion is present, or by obscuring a lesion’s margins, masking or hiding a cancer.”  She adds, “This new technology reduces problems associated with superimposed tissues, and clinical studies have shown 3D mammography to be superior to conventional digital technology for image quality.”

A 3D mammography exam is similar to a traditional mammogram. However, during a breast tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are taken in just a matter of seconds. These images can be viewed by radiologists in one millimeter layers, allowing views one page or “slice” at a time. In addition, the X-ray energy used is very low dose, so  radiation exposure is below the FDA guidelines. In addition, 3D mammography reduces the need for call backs for additional imaging by 20 to 40 percent.  Clinical studies report an increase in invasive cancer detection by up to 40 percent in breast cancer screenings using tomosynthesis.

The National Cancer Institute reports that about one in eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. They also indicate the strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age.  By offering women the latest technology in mammography, Springfield Hospital hopes to increase the number of women who are routinely screened, and identify those who might benefit from early detection.

The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival, making routine screening important. The American Cancer Society recommends clinical breast exams about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and over. The ACS also recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing as long as a woman is in good health.

Springfield Hospital’s Breast Cancer Center is  accredited by the American College of Radiology, and has earned Hologic’s Pink Ribbon Facility designation, which recognizes providing excellence in breast health and demonstrating an exceptional commitment and support to women of our community.

To schedule a mammogram or for more information about this procedure,  contact the Breast Care Center at Springfield Hospital at 802-885-7669.

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About the Author: This item was edited from one or more press releases submitted to The Chester Telegraph.

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