Women & Infants the first to offer digital breast tomosynthesis in southeastern New England
May 05, 2017
Tomosynthesis takes images from multiple angles and uses computer processing to compile them into a three-dimensional picture a radiologist can examine and manipulate. The added detail helps the radiologist pinpoint the size, location and shape of any breast abnormality, and can help distinguish real tumors from harmless abnormalities. Because digital breast tomosynthesis removes the layers of breast structure and tissue, it is particularly beneficial for women with dense breasts.
"The result is fewer calls to patients for further testing and less overall anxiety for women," Dr. Spencer said. Even though in 2010, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening every two years for women ages 50 to 74, the American Cancer Society still recommends annual screening for all women age 40 and older. Women & Infants adheres to the American Cancer Society recommendations, believing the best chance for survival and cure is early detection. This is the hospital's motivation for bringing the advanced technology of digital breast tomosynthesis to the women of Rhode Island and southeastern New England.
Source: Women & Infants Hospital