The American Cancer society recommends yearly mammograms for women over the age of 45, but for many, the annual breast cancer screening may not always be the most convenient process or the most comfortable procedure. Now, an upgraded breast tomosynthesis system at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Breast Care with Memorial Hermann - Katy is aiming to help ease the process for patients by providing them quality images in a shorter period of time.
Breast tomosynthesis is an imaging technology that combines data from a series of low-dose radiation, two-dimensional (2-D) images taken during a short scan to create a single three-dimensional (3-D) image of the breast. The technology is known to offer a number of advantages over conventional 2-D digital mammography, including improved diagnostic and screening accuracy, fewer recalls, greater radiologist confidence, and 3-D lesion localization.
In addition, the new technology can produce higher quality images in a shorter period of time.
“By working more quickly, patients spend less time under compression, improving patient comfort and decreasing the risk for movement that could distort the image,” says Michele Lesslie, DO, a diagnostic radiology specialist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.
The new mammography system also allows for faster biopsies while the patient remains in the upright seated position. Conventionally, women having a breast biopsy would lie face down on a raised table with one breast positioned in a hole in the table. The radiologist works from underneath the table to take a sample of the breast tissue. This new system allows women to remain seated.
“I’ve had several patients tell me they prefer the seated biopsy. Now, this new technology makes that process more comfortable for them,” says Dr. Lesslie.
With more than 15 locations, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Breast Care with Memorial Hermann is designed to expand access to high quality screening, specialty breast care and research into a community setting, while giving patients the flexibility and convenience of staying close to home through the expansive Memorial Hermann network.