3-D Breast Imaging

In 2011, Baptist Hospital was the first hospital in Florida to gain FDA approval to perform digital breast tomosynthesis, or 3-D digital mammography. Next month, Baptist Health Care will begin offering this innovative technology at two additional Baptist locations: Baptist Medical Park – Nine Mile and Gulf Breeze Hospital. 

3-D digital mammography takes more precise and detailed images at various angles, which can be reconstructed to create a 3-D view of the breast. Doctors can then examine the inner architecture of the breast without distortion, according to Vikki Jordan, R.T. (R)(M), Baptist Health Care women’s imaging manager. 

“Adding more locations adds convenience and access for many high-risk patients who need a more sophisticated mammogram technology,” Jordan said. “3-D can mean fewer call backs for additional screening and testing, fewer false alarms and a better chance that cancer will be detected early.”

Benefits of 3-D Digital Mammography
·        Improved accuracy and detection 
·        Clearer images that show structures in the breast and their spatial relationship with the surrounding breast tissue. 
·        Ability to detect breast cancer very early 
·        Tomosynthesis scans can be performed quickly 
·        Confidence to rule out cancer without recalling the patient for further study 

One in eight American women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer; however, when detected and treated early, the chance for cure is nearly 100 percent. At this time, there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, which is why The American Cancer Society recommends that all women 40 years of age and older have a screening mammogram every year, in association with an annual clinical breast examination and monthly breast self-exam.

To learn more, visit www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/DigitalMammography. For an appointment or tour call 877.469.7500 and press option 2.