Community Hospital now offering 3D mammography

Radiology technologists who perform mammograms at Community Hospital are excited to offer 3D mammography. Pictured beside Community Hospital’s new 3D mammography system are (front) Jill Royse, Sarah Meissner, back, Sherri Kyte, and Blair Gohl.

Community Hospital

McCook, Neb. — Community Hospital is excited to announce the imaging department has acquired a 3D mammography system and is now offering 3D mammography exams. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, 3D exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

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 three-dimensional exam uses a method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect.

A 3D exam includes both 2D images and tomosynthesis scans. During the tomosynthesis-dimensional 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 the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. The exam requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam.

Community Hospital’s new 3D system is a clinically superior breast tomosynthesis system and is approved by the FDA. The new system is recommended for women of all ages and breast densities. It allows radiologists reading the exams to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of abnormalities. This leads to better detection and greater peace of mind for patients.

Large clinical studies in the U.S. and Europe have demonstrated the positive benefits of a 3D mammography exam. Findings on the largest study to date include:

* A 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.

Patients wanting to schedule a 3D mammography exam at Community Hospital should contact their family physician for a referral. For questions about this important breast health procedure, contact Community Hospital Imaging Services at 308-344-8288.