3D Tomosynthesis Mammography Helps Prevent False Positives and Detects Cancer Earlier

To schedule a mammogram, call 503.435.4540.Willamette Valley Medical Center is the first hospital in Oregon and one of the first in the U.S. to offer revolutionary new 3D tomosynthesis mammogram technology that:

• captures sharp 3D images,
• helps prevent false positive mammograms,
• provides earlier and more accurate breast cancer diagnosis.

Guidelines for Mammograms

A baseline mammogram is recommended for women between the ages of 35 and 40. After age 40, annual mammograms are recommended. On average, a mammogram takes only 15 minutes, and a complete appointment less than 30 minutes.

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Wed Aug 10 18:26:15 PDT 2011

McMinnville hospital gets cutting-edge 3D mammogram tool

A precise, 3D mammogram machine that’s detecting breast cancer sooner has been installed at Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville. view full article

“This is a big leap forward,” says Diane Coady (RT(R)(M), breast center supervisor. “If you can imagine the improvement of going from x-ray to CAT scan, this is a similar improvement.”

This new technology just received FDA approval in February. During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are captured at different angles. They are then used to create a 3D reconstruction of the breast.

Two major challenges for mammograms

Why is that so important? Dr. David Siepmann, radiologist, explains. “There have always been two major challenges with mammograms related to overlap of tissue,” he explains. “Sometimes two different layers of normal breast tissue overlap each other in a way that looks like a possible mass, requiring us to bring patients back for more testing. Although the extra testing usually proves negative, this causes a lot of anxiety for patients. This problem is largely eliminated by tomosynthesis”.

Since the hospital began doing 3D tomosynthesis mammograms in July the need for call back mammograms has dropped dramatically.

The other big problem, according to Dr. Siepmann, is that overlapping tissues can completely hide a breast cancer. “By separating out the breast tissue into the separate layers, tomosynthesis allows us to see the breast cancer separately from the breast tissue that was hiding it. That way we are able to detect a cancer earlier. Studies have proven that tomosynthesis is better than conventional mammograms at finding cancer early."

This technology is clearly superior

“Having seen the benefits of this tomosynthesis technology,” said Dr. Siepmann, “I feel very strongly that my wife and all women should have a 3D tomosynthesis mammogram if at all possible. It is clearly superior. I am really pleased that we’re able to offer this amazing improvement to women in Oregon."

In addition, the 3D Tomosynthesis mammogram includes the MammoPad® breast cushion for greater comfort. The MammoPad is a foam breast pad that serves as a cushion between you and the mammography system. You can relax, knowing your mammogram will be warm, soft, comfortable and accurate.

To schedule a mammogram, call 503.435.4540.  

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