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Until recently, the most efficient way to screen for breast cancer was through the use of digital mammography. Now, South Sound Breast Center offers the latest advancement in breast cancer imaging: 3-D mammography. This new exam transforms how breast cancer is detected by offering a superior mammogram for all breast types.
A Revolutionary Advancement in Mammography
3-D mammography, or breast tomosynthesis, is a new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection. It uses unique computing to convert digital breast images into a stack of very thin layers, building what is essentially a three-dimensional mammogram. This allows doctors to see breast tissue detail in a way never before possible to help find breast cancer at its earliest stages, when it is more treatable.
Benefits to Patients
With 3-D mammograms, radiologists have the detailed information they need to identify breast cancer with greater certainty. That means there is less of a chance you may need to be called back for additional views.
“3-D mammography is a groundbreaking technology at South Sound Breast Center that is making a difference in diagnosing breast cancer,” says Lawrence Bennett, MD, chief of Women’s Imaging at South Sound Radiology. “With 3-D mammography we are able to detect cancer earlier than with digital imaging alone, while decreasing call-back rates for false alarms.”
Research has found that breast tomosynthesis combined with 2-D mammography provides:
- Up to 40 percent reduction in false-positive recall rates.
- Greater than 25 percent improvement in overall cancer detection rates.
What to Expect During your Exam
3-D mammography is obtained similarly to standard 2-D digital mammography and is approved for all women who would have a conventional mammogram, in both the screening and diagnostic settings. There is no additional compression required, and it only takes a few more seconds for each view. During the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over your breast, taking multiple breast images. Then, a computer produces a 3-D image of your breast tissues in one-millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist. The radiologist will scroll through images of your entire breast like pages of a book for a transparent and comprehensive view. There is very low X-ray energy used during the exam, so your radiation exposure is below the FDA guidelines. Whether it’s your first or fifth mammogram, scheduling annual screenings at South Sound Breast Center are an important step to helping you live a healthy life.
South Sound Breast Center
South Sound Breast Center is a joint venture between Providence St. Peter Hospital and South Sound Radiology (SSR). The Center is located at SSR’s Olympia facility at 3417 Ensign Road. It has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and is an FDA-certified mammography facility.
South Sound Breast Center is the first in the South Sound area to offer a full complement of imaging and interventional breast care services, including 3D mammography, digital mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and breast biopsies.
