Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Fall 2017

Lead Mammographer Lorie Daniels, RT(R)(M)(QM), maneuvers the new 3-D imaging machine. This year, the mammography wing of the diagnostic imaging department at Bartlett Regional Hospital took the next step in breast care with the implementation of 3-D screening technology. “The detail is incomparable,” says Director of Radiology Israel Ginn. Two-dimensional technology is still used for screenings—routine annual mammograms. With a 2-D mammogram, overlapping tissue can potentially hide breast cancers, and normal breast tissue may appear abnormal. A diagnostic mammogram takes a closer look at any abnormality that may have been detected in the screening—abnormalities that may vary in size, shape and location. Under current insurance regulations, patients have two options for getting mammograms using 3-D technology. They can request it, or their doctor can order it after an initial 2-D screening. “If it’s diagnostic, you can do 3-D,” notes Ginn. “But if it’s a screening and you request 3-D, you do both 2-D and 3-D.” What to expect The 3-D exam itself is similar to that of a 2-D mammogram. After the technologist or mammographer helps position you, the machine compresses your breast and takes images from various angles. In contrast to the flat image in a 2-D mammogram, radiologists can see the breast tissue layer by layer and may see the distinction between benign density in breast tissue and potential cancer using 3-D. A calm, quiet space In addition to the new 3-D mammography machine, diagnostic imaging has installed a spa-like waiting room, complete with herbal teas, a soothing fountain and soft lighting. Lead Mammographer Lorie Daniels, RT(R)(M)(QM), raves all about it: “[When] some of these folks come in here, it can be a very emotional time, depending what they’re going through. You’re coming to see us, and you don’t want to come see us. So that beautiful room is calm, it’s quiet. You walk into it. You like it. By the time you get into the exam room, you might be pretty laid-back.” During the exam, the 3-D unit takes 15 slices that are used to create the 3-D image. “Say you have a 5-centimeter breast: The unit breaks those 5 centimeters down to 50 millimeters,” adds Lead Mammographer Lorie Daniels, RT(R) (M)(QM). “That’s 50 images that you’re sliding through, and you have to look at them very carefully.” “That’s how you catch something as early as possible. By looking through each one,” says Ginn. Bartlett purchased Hologic Genius 3-D technology, also known as tomography or tomosynthesis. Studies have shown it to detect 41 percent more invasive breast cancers, with a 40 percent reduction in false positives. Bartlett Radiologist Steve Strickler, DO, says he’s already detected irregularities that he might not have seen using standard 2-D technology. And he is confident that tomosynthesis will eventually become the new mammography standard. Why? “Because it can eliminate so many things right off the get-go,” emphasizes Ginn. Dr. Strickler believes a woman’s first mammogram should be 3-D, if possible. “That lessens the possibility of call-backs.” Not all insurance companies currently cover the cost of 3-D imaging. “Aetna just acknowledged that tomosynthesis is no longer experimental technology,” notes Dr. Strickler. Bartlett advises checking with your insurance company before requesting 3-D imaging from your provider. www.bartletthospital.org 9 Mammographer Angie Bradshaw, RT(R)(M), points to a 3-D image. Better detection, fewer false positives