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There is now a better[1] and more comfortable way for women in the community to receive their annual mammograms when they visit Texas County Memorial Hospital.
The TCMH radiology department is pleased to announce that they have installed a new 3D mammography unit that will replace the older 2D unit that has been in use since 2013.
The Fujifilm’s ASPIRE Cristalle with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) combines state-of-the-art, Hexagonal Close Pattern (HCP) capture technology and intelligent image processing, optimizing dose and contrast based on individual breast composition. The result is low dose and fast acquisition of exceptional images for all breast types.
In addition, patients can experience a noticeable improvement in comfort during procedures with Fujifilm’s patented, flexible comfort paddle design, which provides gentle and even compression that is designed to adapt to patient curves.
“We are grateful to be able to provide our patients with newer and more advanced technology when they come to TCMH to receive their mammograms,” Ann Hamilton, TCMH Radiology Department director said. “Replacing the older unit with the new 3D unit, will not only allow our patients the opportunity to receive better images of their breast tissue, but they will experience greater comfort during their exams.”
The Fujifilm’s Aspire Cristalle with DBT acquires a series of low-dose images of the breast at different angles; the acquired reconstructed tomographic images provide greater visibility of the breast tissue which can help radiologists identify lesions which might otherwise be difficult to visualize in traditional 2D mammogram images because of the presence of overlapping breast structures.
One of the greatest benefits of the new unit is the addition of DBT. It will bring higher diagnostic capabilities (compared to using full field digital mammography alone) to help physicians diagnose cancers earlier, which can lead to better patient outcomes.
According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of their lifetime and for women in the United States, breast cancer death rates are higher than any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
Christoper Baldwin, MD is a board-certified OB/GYN at TCMH and recommends that all women be vigilant with their screenings.
“There are many subtypes of breast cancer and each type can act differently,” Baldwin said. “Breast cancer is a common cancer, so do not rely on your risk factors alone. Be aware of them, but more importantly, make sure you get screened.”
For more information about the new 3D mammography unit or to schedule a mammogram, please contact the TCMH Radiology department at (417) 967-1241 or (417) 967-1276.
Baldwin is accepting new patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Baldwin, call the TCMH Medical Complex in Houston at (417) 967-5435 or the TCMH Mountain Grove Clinic at (417) 926-1770.
[1] Digital Breast Tomosynthesis provides enhanced clinical efficacy compared to using full field digital mammography (FFDM) alone