Aug 8, 2014 3 min read

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The facts about breast cancer cannot be ignored. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. After lung cancer, it is the second leading cause of death from cancer in women.

The good news is that death rates from breast cancer have been steadily decreasing in the past couple decades. This is partly due to more effective screening measures. When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98%.

There is a new type of breast imaging technology, 3D mammography, also called breast tomosynthesis. The new Selenia Dimensions system from Hologic is one of the best options available on the market for cancer screening. The technology is capable of producing incredibly detailed images and diagnostic performance.

The machine itself is designed with the patient in mind. The ergonomic design allows for optimal patient comfort without sacrificing superior imaging. If you have experienced a traditional 2D mammogram before, the tomosynthesis screening experience is not much different. The imaging typically only takes about four seconds per view. The radiation levels are roughly comparable to that of a traditional film mammogram.

During the exam, multiple images of the breasts are taken from different angles. These images are combined to produce images a series of images that can be viewed as “slices”, creating a comprehensive image of the breast. The technology is similar to that of a CT scan. Once combined, the slices come together to create a 3D replication of the breast tissue. This provides greater detection accuracy because it minimizes overlapping tissue and allows the radiologist to view the inside of the breast, layer by layer.

Breast tomosynthesis is beneficial for all women who are undergoing screening and diagnostic mammography. Women who are at a higher risk of breast cancer because of family history may further benefit from 3D mammography. Younger women who have denser breast tissue may also benefit from tomosynthesis. It is more difficult to detect breast cancer in denser breast tissue because imaging it can be difficult. The tomosynthesis imaging technology can be combined with traditional 2D mammography for a more complete look at breast tissue health.

The main benefit of using tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening is its accuracy. When combined with traditional 2D mammography, tomosynthesis is capable of detecting invasive cancer with a 40% higher rate than using 2D mammography alone. Tomosynthesis also reduces the number of false alarms and uncertainty on the part of the radiologist. Up to 10% of the time, patients are asked to come back for follow up screening because the results of their 2D imaging is inconclusive. The addition of tomosynthesis provides more accurate results and reduced recalls, thereby reducing anxiety in patients.

Washington Health System is proud to be offering advanced screening methods for breast cancer and is the first in Washington County to offer this new technology.

Additional Sources:

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/10/09/3d-mammogram-tomosynthesis/1615719/

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/imaging/locations_directions/green_spring_station/tomosynthesis.html