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Fauquier Hospital is the only facility in the region to have the lowest dose technology available for 3D mammography. |
New
3D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis) is an advanced, clinically
proven screening and diagnostic tool for early breast cancer detection.
Karla Kenefake-Hymans, director of Fauquier Health's Medical Imaging Department, said, "During the 3D mammography
exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in an arc over the breast, taking multiple low dose
images. A computer produces a 3D image of the breast tissue in one-millimeter
slices, providing greater visibility for your radiologist to see breast detail
in a way never before possible.
"With conventional digital
mammography," Kenefake-Hymans added, "the radiologist is viewing all the complexities of the breast
tissue in one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, making normal
breast tissue look like an abnormal area, or potentially hiding a small cancer.
By looking at the breast tissue in slices, the radiologist can provide a more
accurate exam." Research studies show that 3D mammography reduces
callbacks for additional imaging by up to 16% and increases cancer detection by
up to 40%.
A screening mammogram is an
annual mammogram that is done when there are no signs or symptoms
of a problem. A diagnostic mammogram is used to evaluate a specific symptom of
possible disease, such as a lump, or to further evaluate a specific area of the
breast as follow-up to a screening mammogram. 3D mammography complements
standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time, with the same
system.
Low radiation exposure
Fauquier Hospital is the
only facility in the region to have the lowest dose technology available for 3D
mammography. This allows for both the 3D
and 2D images to be taken with the same radiation dose as 2D images alone. It also means that the length of time a woman
is in compression is the same as only a 2D examination; some 3D systems require
double the compression time.
3D mammography can benefit
all women who undergo a standard mammogram, either a screening or a diagnostic examination.
However, it may be even more beneficial for a woman’s first baseline mammogram;
for women 40-60 years old; women with a significant amount of dense breast
tissue, and women with a personal history or a close family history of breast
cancer.
Call 540-316-5800 to
schedule your annual 3D screening mammogram appointment at Fauquier Hospital. You
must have a doctor’s order to schedule the exam.
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