Tennova Healthcare Introduces 3D Mammography at Newport Medical Center
9/30/2020
More detailed picture of breast tissue aids in early detection of breast cancer
KNOXVILLE, TN (September 30, 2020) – Tennova Healthcare now offers three-dimensional (3D) mammography for breast cancer screening at Newport Medical Center. Breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) helps detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. The health system also offers 3D mammography at North Knoxville Medical Center and Turkey Creek Medical Center.
Breast tomosynthesis produces a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue that helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 3D mammography can increase detection of invasive breast cancers by up to 40 percent (over traditional 2D mammography).
“Our new 3D mammography system offers exceptionally sharp images, an ergonomic design for better patient comfort, and the ability to screen all breast types,” said Monte Broome, M.D, radiologist and medical director of diagnostic imaging at Newport Medical Center. “It’s especially helpful for screening dense breasts, since the tissue can be viewed in paper-thin slices.”
During a 3D mammography exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles. These images are then used to produce a series of 1-millimeter (1/32 of an inch) sections that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast.
“Breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis enhances visibility, which can decrease the need for additional images and reduce ‘call backs’ and anxiety over false alarms,” Dr. Boome said. “3D mammography complements standard 2D mammograms—and the test is performed with the same system.”
The breast tomosynthesis screening experience is similar to a traditional mammogram. No additional breast compression is required, and it only takes a few more seconds to capture the 3D images compared to the standard 2D images.
“Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer,” said Jeanette Toney, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist at Newport Medical Center and North Knoxville Medical Center. “Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival.”
For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40, with no upper age limit as long as the woman is in good health. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk.*
“By offering women the most advanced and accurate technology in mammography, Tennova expects to increase the number of women in Newport and the surrounding community who will be routinely screened as well as the number of lives that will be saved,” Dr. Toney said.
3D mammography is not indicated for all patients. Ask your doctor if breast tomosynthesis is right for you. An order from a physician is not required, but the patient must provide a physician/provider name when an appointment is made. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider.
Tennova Healthcare offers breast imaging services including digital mammography at North Knoxville Medical Center, Turkey Creek Medical Center, Jefferson Memorial Hospital, LaFollette Medical Center, Newport Medical Center, and Tennova South. To schedule a screening mammogram, call (865) 545-7771 or toll-free at 866-645-7771.
*For American College of Radiology recommendations, visit www.acr.org.
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