Cancer Network News Summer 2016

NEWS YOU
CAN USE
WellStar Imaging Centers Now Offer
3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)
Conventional mammograms provide radiologists
with a two-dimensional image of the threedimensional
breast. Overlapping layers of tissue
can sometimes create unclear results, false alarms,
or worse - cancer being missed. WellStar is proud
to now offer 3D mammograms, also known as
Tomosynthesis, at all locations except Douglas,
which is waiting on construction to make room for
the mammo unit.
Tomosynthesis provides radiologists with a series
of detailed images of the breast, allowing them to
better evaluate breast tissue layer by layer, making
fine details more visible and no longer hidden by
overlapping tissue.2 Because of its clinically proven
increase in accuracy, a 3D exam can help reduce
false-positive recalls for additional imaging.1,2
This exam is approved for all women who would
undergo a standard mammogram. With 3D
mammography, the positioning and compression
are the same, but the result is multiple images
in less than a 4-second scan time. Very low x-ray
energy is used during the exam, just about the
same as a film-screen mammogram. The total
patient dose is within the FDA safety standards for
mammography. 3D mammograms are currently
covered by Medicare and a growing number of
private insurances.
To schedule, patients can call WellStar Central
Scheduling at 678-581-5900 and request a 3D
mammogram.
Superiority over conventional
2D mammography
• Detects 41% more invasive breast cancers
• Reduces false-positive recalls by up to 40%
References:
1.Friedewald S, Rafferty E, Rose S, et al. Breast cancer screening
using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography.
JAMA. 2014:311(24):2499-2507.
2.Rose S, Tidwell A, Bujnoch L, et al. Implementation of breast
tomosynthesis in a routine screening practice: an observational
study. AJR AM J Roentgenol. 2013;200(6):1401-1408.
SUMMER 2016 • ISSUE 4 04