Thanks in part to a generous donation by the Gail S. Posner Trust, Mount Sinai Medical Center is excited to offer the most advanced screening and diagnostic tool designer for early breast cancer detection – Tomosynthesis 3D mammography exams. Utilizing advanced technology, these exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.
In conventional 2D mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. A Tomosynthesis mammography includes a three-dimensional method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect.
“The breast imaging team of physicians at Mount Sinai are excited to offer 3D Tomosynthesis mammography to our patients and their referring physicians,” said Dr. Stuart Kaplan, Mount Sinai Section Chief of Breast Imaging. “The addition of this state-of-the-art technology will further enhance our ability to detect and diagnose breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable and curable stage.”
The exam includes both 2D images and Tomosynthesis scans. During the Tomosynthesis 3 dimensional portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. It requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam.
The new system is recommended for women of all ages and breast densities and allows radiologists to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of abnormalities. This leads to better detection, a lower dose of radiation and greater peace of mind for patients.
Large clinical studies in the U.S. and Europe have demonstrated the positive benefits of a 3D mammography exam. The largest study to date on 3D breast cancer screening published in the June 25, 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found:
• A 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers.
• A 29% increase in the detection of all breast cancers.
• A 15% decrease in women recalled for additional imaging.
Mount Sinai Medical Center is committed to the fight against breast cancer and is now offering Tomosynthesis 3D mammograms at the Lila and Harold Menowitz Comprehensive Breast Center located at 4306 Alton Road, as well as in the Gail S. Posner Women’s Center at Mount Sinai Aventura, located at 2845 Aventura Boulevard. Mount Sinai has been designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and was the first breast center in Florida accredited by the NAPBC.
To schedule a Tomosynthesis 3D mammogram at either location, call (305) 535-3434. For more information about the Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit www.msccc.com.
