New three-dimensional breast imaging technology will help detect breast cancer earlier

Tue, 10/03/2017 - 8:30am

LincolnHealth’s new three-dimensional breast imaging technology on the Miles Campus will help detect breast cancer earlier and more accurately.

Community members are invited to the diagnostic imaging open house on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 4-6 p.m. on the Miles campus to see the new Digital Breast Tomosynthesis system and learn more about its benefits.

“We are excited to offer Digital Breast Tomosynthesis close to home for our patients,” stated LincolnHealth Lead Mammographer and Breast Care Manager Sandy Holmes, radiologic technologist. “When breast cancer is detected early on, before it has spread, it is often easier to successfully treat.”

Breast tomosynthesis can help detect breast cancer that would be hidden on a conventional two-dimensional mammogram and can more accurately pinpoint the size, shape and location of breast abnormalities.

“Breast tomosynthesis takes images of the breast from many angles” stated LincolnHealth Breast Care Manager Nancy Duffy, radiologic technologist. “The individual images are then reconstructed by a computer into a set of images that better display interior breast detail compared to a two-dimensional mammogram.”

The three-dimensional images help minimize the tissue overlap that occurs in two-dimensional digital mammograms which can hide cancers or make normal breast tissue appear abnormal.

Studies have shown that screening with breast tomosynthesis improves breast cancer detection rates and reduces the amount of patients who are called back for additional testing because of a potentially abnormal finding.

The breast tomosynthesis procedure for patients is very similar to the procedure for conventional mammograms, and patients are expected to notice little to no difference during the screening. Patients are still able to have a conventional two-dimensional digital mammogram if they choose.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call LincolnHealth – Miles Campus Diagnostic Imaging at 207-563-4233.