KNOXVILLE, TN (May 8, 2019) – Tennova Healthcare now offers three-dimensional (3D) mammography for breast cancer screening at Turkey Creek Medical Center.    Breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) helps detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. The health system also offers 3D mammography at North Knoxville Medical Center.

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).

“Our new 3D mammography system offers exceptionally sharp images, an ergonomic design for better patient comfort, and the ability to screen all breast types,” said Janine Mingie, director of the Tennova Breast Centers at Turkey Creek Medical Center and North Knoxville Medical Center. “It’s especially helpful for screening dense breasts, since the tissue can be viewed in paper-thin slices.”

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.

“Breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis enhances visibility, which can decrease the need for additional images and reduce ‘call backs’ and anxiety over false alarms,” said John Stallworth, M.D., lead radiologist at the Tennova Breast Center at Turkey Creek Medical Center. “3D mammography complements standard 2D mammograms—and the test is performed with the same system.”

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.  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.

“By offering women the most advanced and accurate technology in mammography, Tennova expects to increase the number of women in the community who will be routinely screened as well as the number of lives that will be saved,” Dr. Stallworth said.

3D mammography is not indicated for all patients. Ask your doctor if breast tomosynthesis is right for you.

Tennova Healthcare offers breast imaging services including digital mammography at North Knoxville Medical Center, Turkey Creek Medical Center, Jefferson Memorial Hospital, LaFollette Medical Center, Newport Medical Center, and Tennova South. To schedule a screening mammogram, call 865-545-7771.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/08/2019-12:15PM)

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