Manitowoc, WI ─ Holy Family Memorial has announced that it now offers Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exams, developed by Hologic, Inc., a worldwide leader in Women’s Health.
Dawn Krueger, RT(R)(M), Core Specialist with HFM Women’s Imaging Center told the HTR, “Holy Family Memorial is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering 3D mammograms, Holy Family Memorial provides a more accurate* tool for breast cancer screening which will make a difference in the lives of women in Manitowoc County.”
In conventional 2D mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. A 3D mammogram includes a three-dimensional method of imaging (tomosynthesis) that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect. Tomosynthesis is clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.*
Mammograms at Holy Family Memorial include both 2D images and 3D (tomosynthesis) scans. During the tomosynthesis portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing radiologists to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. A 3D mammogram exam requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam.
If you have questions about this important breast health procedure, call HFM Women’s Imaging Center at (920) 320-3711. If you wish to make an appointment, call HFM Central Scheduling at (920) 320-6777.
Why is 3D Mammography Better?
The Hologic 3D mammography system allows radiologists to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of abnormalities which leads to better detection.
The largest study to date on breast cancer screening using the Genius exam was published in the June 25, 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).**
Findings include:
- 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers.
- A 29% increase in the detection of all breast cancers.
- A 15% decrease in women recalled for additional imaging.
The Hologic system is the first FDA-approved breast tomosynthesis system in the U.S.
*Compared to 2D Mammography
** Friedewald SM, Rafferty EA, Rose SL, Durand MA, Plecha DM, Greenberg JS, Hayes MK, Copit DS, Carlson KL, Cink TM, Barke LD, Greer LN, Miller DP, Conant EF, Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis in Combination with Digital Mammography, JAMA June 25, 2014