Hologic 3D mammography at SouthCoast Imaging Hilton Head significantly increases cancer detection

SouthCoast Imaging Hilton Head is proud to offer Hologic 3D Mammography for breast cancer screening. 3D mammography produces a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue that helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.

The Hologic 3D mammography screening experience is similar to a traditional mammogram. 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 one-millimeter thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast.

We believe Hologic 3D Mammography will benefit all screening and diagnostic mammography patients, and 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.

In the June 25, 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a groundbreaking study was published that found Hologic’s 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) screening technology significantly increased cancer detection while simultaneously reducing the number of false positives.

The study, “Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis in Combination with Digital Mammography”, that reviewed close to half a million mammography exams, was led by Sarah M. Friedewald, MD of the Caldwell Breast Center, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois.¹ The researchers found that 3D mammography finds significantly more invasive or lethal cancers than a traditional mammogram. According to the study’s results, 3D mammography also reduces the number of women called back for unnecessary screenings due to false alarms. That reduces anxiety, as well as health care costs.

Significant findings include:

• A 41 percent increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers.
• A 29 percent increase in the detection of all breast cancers.
• A 15 percent decrease in women recalled for additional imaging.
• A 49 percent increase in Positive Predictive Value (PPV) for a recall.  
• A 21 percent increase in PPV for biopsy.
• No significant change in the detection of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

This study, using Hologic 3D mammography systems, involved 13 U.S. breast screening sites and 139 radiologists.

Andrew A. Wade, Board Certified Radiologist with SouthCoast Imaging Hilton Head, interprets 3D mammogram.

The center’s Selenia® Dimensions® 3D mammography system is made by Hologic, a world leader in digital mammography. The Selenia Dimensions system offers exceptionally sharp breast images, an advanced ergonomic design providing more patient comfort, and the ground-breaking Hologic 3D Mammography platform designed to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance for all breast types. ²

By offering women the latest and more accurate³ technology in mammography, SouthCoast Imaging Hilton Head 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 at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. ⁴

SouthCoast Imaging Hilton Head is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering Hologic 3D mammography, SouthCoast Imaging Hilton Head provides the latest in imaging technology.

For more information about SouthCoast Imaging Hilton Head and 3D mammography, visit www.SouthCoastImagingHiltonHead.com.

To schedule a 3D mammogram, contact SouthCoast Imaging Hilton Head at 843-681-1999.

MEDIA CONTACT
Sharon Fisher
Sharon Fisher & Associates, LLC
Phone:    843-342-9336
E-mail:   

1 Friedewald SM, Rafferty EA, Rose SL, Durand MA, Plecha DM, Greenberg JS, Hayes MK, Copit DS, Carlson KL, Cink TM, Barke LD, Greer LN, Miller DP, Conant EF, Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis in Combination with Digital Mammography, JAMA June 25, 2014.

2 Rafferty E, Park J, Philpotts L, et al. “Assessing Radiologist Performance Using Combined Digital Mammography and Breast Tomosynthesis Compared with Digital Mammography Alone: Results of a Multicenter, Multireader Trial.” Radiology. 2013 Jan; 266(1):104-13. Epub 2012 Nov 20.

3 Zuley M, Bandos A, Ganott M, et al. “Digital Breast Tomosynthesis versus Supplemental Diagnostic Mammographic Views for Evaluation of Noncalcified Breast Lesions.” Radiology. 2013 Jan; 266(1):89-95. Epub 2012 Nov 9.

4 Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2011, American Cancer Society.