SSRH brings 3D mammography technology to community
10/17/2024
SILOAM SPRINGS (Oct. 17, 2024) – It’s a familiar phrase: Screenings save lives. When it comes to women’s health, detecting breast cancer early can lead to a better survival rate. And the team at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital (SSRH) are doing their part in the fight against breast cancer by bringing 3D mammography capabilities to the community.
This new technology offers not only a two-dimensional (2D) image, but also breaks that image down into three-dimensional (3D) layers or slices. This allows radiologists to visually break down the complexities of breast tissue that might be obscuring their view in a 2D image to reveal details that were previously hidden.
“With 3D technology we’re able to offer our providers a better image to detect breast cancer,” said SSRH Imaging Director Jeff Copeland. “When using only 2D images, it was possible for overlapping tissue to obscure small breast cancers. It also could make normal tissue appear abnormal and a patient would receive a call back for additional testing even though they were cancer free.”
And callbacks can be a familiar experience for women with dense breasts because dense tissue might obscure a lesion, making cancer harder to detect and create difficulties when interpreting results. This can increase the chances of getting a callback for additional testing.
“Every person is unique and that translates to mammograms,” Copeland said. “At Siloam Springs Regional Hospital we offer an individualized experience for our patients including those with dense breast tissue.”
According to the American Cancer Society, women who have dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer compared to women with less dense breast tissue.
That’s why an annual screening is so important.
“Speak with your primary care provider (PCP) about when it’s appropriate for you to start screenings because family history and other risk factors may mean you should start at an earlier age,” Copeland said. “Your PCP can help determine the choice that’s right for you.”
“At SSRH, we’re committed to providing the technology our community needs so we can help our friends and neighbors get well and live healthier,” said SSRH Chief Administrative Officer George Parsley. “We’re excited to bring this new equipment to our hometown hospital and are grateful to be your health care partner.”
Did you know?
The American College of Radiology recommends women at average-risk should schedule their annual mammography screenings starting at age 40. If it’s time to schedule your annual screening mammogram, visit NorthwestMammo.com to request an appointment today.
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