Georgetown Hospital System first in area to offer 3D mammography

GEORGETOWN, S.C. - Jan. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Georgetown Hospital System is the first health care provider in the area to offer 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) for breast cancer screening. 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.

“We believe 3D mammography will benefit all screening and diagnostic mammography patients,” says radiologist Dr. David Anderson. “This technology is especially valuable for women receiving a baseline screening, those who have dense breast tissue and/or women with a personal history of breast cancer.”

The Selenia® Dimensions® breast tomosynthesis system made by Hologic, a world leader in digital mammography, will be available at Georgetown Memorial Hospital, The Imaging Center at Waccamaw Medical Park-East and Waccamaw Women’s Imaging at Carolina OBGYN in Murrells Inlet.

Breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis, when combined with a conventional 2D mammography, has a higher cancer detection rate than conventional 2D mammography alone.¹   Tomosynthesis technology gives radiologists increased confidence with a significant reduction in recall rates. ²

The tomosynthesis screening experience is similar to a traditional mammogram.  During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles.  These images are then used to produce a series of one-millimeter thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast.

By offering women the latest technology in mammography, GHS expects to increase the number of area women who will be routinely screened.  Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer.  Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage when breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. ³

GHS is committed to the fight against breast cancer. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please call 843.520.8378.

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Georgetown Hospital System is a private, not-for-profit organization. The system consists of Georgetown Memorial Hospital, Waccamaw Community Hospital and several facilities throughout Horry and Georgetown counties. For more information about Georgetown Hospital System, please visit our website at www.georgetownhospitalsystem.org