The Breast Center at Walker Baptist Medical Center is now offering 3D mammograms.
The Center is the first in the county to offer 3D mammograms. Though the Center will continue offering 2D mammograms as well, there are several reasons why a woman and her doctor may opt for the 3D mammogram.
"It gives better detail, sharper images and may detect breast cancers sooner than with traditional 2D. 2D is still an excellent screening procedure, but some women want the 3D knowing it can detect breast cancer earlier. Women with dense breasts especially and women who have had cancer or have a family history would probably benefit from the 3D," said Kay Laney, director of imaging services for Walker Baptist as well as Princeton Baptist.
3D mammograms can also decrease the number of times that a patient must be called back for additional images.
"Sometimes a doctor will see something on the images that he's concerned about, so we'll do a different angle and see if that disappears as we press it out. That callback always makes women anxious, but it could easily be nothing," Laney said.
Some women report that 3D mammograms are more comfortable as well, according to Laney.
"They've done a lot with the compression paddles. We have a curved paddle that conforms a little better to the contours of the woman's breast," Laney said.
The Hologic 3Dimensions Mammography System was installed at WBMC the first week of June, and the first 3D mammograms were performed last week.
More than a dozen 3D mammograms were performed between Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Technicians and radiologists received eight hours of training on the new system before it was first used last week as well as additional training with a specialist during the first mammograms.
Although most insurance companies will cover the additional costs associated with a 3D mammogram, women will want to discuss with their doctor before scheduling.
The Hologic 3Dimensions Mammography System provides images in 2D, 3D and a combination of the two. WBMC also offers the Hologic Affirm biopsy system, which allows a minimally invasive sample of a suspicious area to be biopsied without the need of going to the operating room.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the first 3D mammography system by Hologic in 2011.
In 2019, Dr. Cynthia A. Litwer, chief of breast imaging at Cedars-Sinai, said for an online article about 3D mammography on the hospital's website that a radiologist reviews between 200 and 300 images with 3D mammography compared for four for 2D.
According to Laney, a typical mammogram includes four views — one from top to bottom and one from side to side for each breast — and lasts about 15 minutes.
“The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammography screening starting at age 40 for women of average risk of developing breast cancer," Laney said. "Our recommendation is based on maximizing proven benefits, which include a substantial reduction in breast cancer mortality afforded by regular screening and improved treatment options for those diagnosed with breast cancer. The risks associated with mammography screening are also considered to assist women in making an informed choice.”
For more information or to schedule a 3D mammogram, call 205-387-4900.
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