Gadsden Regional Medical Center Introduces 3D Mammography at Women’s Imaging Center

8/17/2021

Technology finds significantly more invasive breast cancers than a traditional mammogram

GADSDEN, AL – Gadsden Regional Medical Center now offers three-dimensional (3D) mammography for breast cancer screening at the Women’s Imaging Center. Breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) helps detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

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).

“3D mammography offers several advantages compared to 2D, including reducing the likelihood of being called back for additional images, thus decreasing the time a woman has to wait for the final results of her screening,” said Jonathan Stidham, M.D, radiologist at Northeast Imaging and Gadsden Regional Medical Center.

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.

“3D mammography has the advantage of detecting invasive cancers at a smaller size when spread to lymph nodes is less likely, resulting in less radical treatments, including less aggressive surgeries or need for chemotherapy,” Dr. Stidham said.

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 James Phillips, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist at Women’s Health Partners and Gadsden Regional 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 3D technology in mammography, Gadsden Regional Medical Center expects to increase the number of women in Gadsden and the surrounding community who will be routinely screened as well as the number of lives that will be saved.

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.

Gadsden Regional Medical Center offers breast imaging services including digital mammography at the Women’s Imaging Center at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, 1026 Goodyear Avenue, #102, Gadsden, Alabama, 35903. To schedule a screening mammogram, call 256-494-4600. For questions about 3D mammography or other services provided, call the Women’s Imaging Center at 256-492-0337 or visit https://bit.ly/grmc3dmammo.

*For American College of Radiology recommendations, visit www.acr.org.

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