Lima Memorial Offers State-of-the-Art Genius™ 3D Mammography™ Exams

posted on: 5/25/2016 9:22:31 AM

The odds of beating breast cancer have never been better, thanks to advancements in early detection and treatment. Lima Memorial joins this fight by bringing this latest enhancement in mammographic imaging to the Women’s Health Center at the Lima Memorial Medical Park.

3D mammography, or Tomosyntheses, is a new screening and diagnostic test for breast cancer, offering women and their physicians a more accurate way to detect the presence of breast abnormalities. 3D mammography is a significant advance in mammographic imaging. Traditional technology, or 2D mammography, gives physicians two views of each breast from right angles, taken from the top and side of the breast. Breast tissue can sometimes overlap, creating an illusion that makes normal tissue appear abnormal, or possibly hiding potential issues. With 3D technology, multiple images from varying angles are taken, allowing the radiologist to see more clearly through the multiple layers of breast tissue.

Early data suggests that 3D mammograms detect more cancers earlier, which means the cancers are smaller and often easier to treat. There is also greater accuracy in pinpointing size, shape and location of abnormalities. This can result in finding cancers that might be missed with conventional 2D mammography. It also means less chance of being called back for more images.

“This new technology gives us more definitive results, as it removes superimposed distractions,” said Darlene Weyer, DO, Medical Director of the Women’s Health Center. With 2D mammography, about 5 to 12 percent of women are called back for follow-up testing, which can result in false positives and unnecessary additional follow-up testing, including biopsies. The 3D technology has been found to reduce that number by 15 percent. “This means some women don’t need additional imaging, which reduces stress, false positives and costs,” Dr. Weyer said.

If you would like to schedule a Genius 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam, or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact the Women’s Health Center at Lima Memorial by calling 419-998-4497.