Julie Hines, mammography technician, adjusts the 3D mammography system. Montrose Regional Health invested in Siemens wide angle 3D mammography technology, offering True Breast Tomosynthesis for a clear image.
MONTROSE, CO – Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. To treat it, you must find it. That’s why Montrose Regional Health invested in Siemens Wide-angle True Breast Tomosynthesis technology for 3D mammography.
“When we looked at upgrading our mammography systems, it really was a clear winner to us,” said Bodie Blowers, Director, Medical Imaging at Montrose Regional Health.
The facility’s True Breast Tomosynthesis 3D technology improves breast cancer detection and reduces false-positive findings – meaning fewer callbacks for patients.
While 2D mammography was once the best technology available, it didn’t always deliver clear results. Traditional 2D mammograms suffer from decreasing sensitivity as the density of a woman’s breast tissue increases, or when breast tissue overlaps. This can result in unclear images that leave health providers unsure of what they see, and can lead to cancers being missed. 52-76% of cancers are missed in dense breast tissue, where tumors are more difficult to identify. The clear image offered by 3D mammography has the potential to save lives.
The state-of-the-art 3D mammogram technology is proven to detect cancer better, giving women confidence in their mammogram screening.
“It increases the likelihood of finding cancers on screenings if they are present,” said Julie Hines, CT, x-ray and mammography technician. “You can see the depth and layers of the tissue. This means cancer can’t hide, like it sometimes could in 2D mammography.”
What makes it state of the art? Unlike 2D mammography, True Breast Tomosynthesis takes many x-ray pictures of each breast from many angles that are not available in traditional mammography. The x-ray tube moves in a 50-degree arc around the breast, taking 25 images during the exam. Those images are then sent to a computer, where they are assembled into a 3-dimensional picture of the breast. The result is a clearer image that helps health providers detect malignant tumors better than standard 2D mammography alone, with fewer recalls.
“It’s important for women to know that getting their yearly exam can prevent many complications later,” added Hines. “Catching issues early can help save a lot of lives.”
About Montrose Regional Health (www.MontroseHealth.com)
Montrose Regional Health is a 501(c)3 nonprofit healthcare system serving Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale and San Juan counties. The hospital is licensed for 75-beds and offers an extensive range of inpatient & outpatient health care services, including cardiology, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, laboratory, medical imaging/radiology, Mountain View Therapy, Level III Trauma Center, Acute Rehabilitation Unit, advanced respiratory & pulmonary services, and the family birthing center. The health system has a reputation for acquiring the latest technologies in healthcare, from robotic assisted surgical services to UVC-disinfection technology. Montrose Regional Health is the second-largest employer in Montrose County, with more than 700 employees and 100 providers who represent 23 medical specialties. With a tagline that reads Caring for you like family, the health system is known for its warm patient care.