Baptist Health La Grange Diagnostic Imaging is excited to offer its patients access to the latest in 3D mammography. 3D mammography has been shown to improve the detection of breast cancers, particularly in women with dense breast tissue, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

Baptist Health La Grange Now Offering State-of-the-Art 3D Mammography

Clinically proven to increase invasive cancer detection and reduce recall rates

La Grange, KY (Oct. 7, 2016) – Baptist Health La Grange Diagnostic Imaging is excited to offer its patients access to the latest in 3D mammography.  3D mammography has been shown to improve the detection of breast cancers, particularly in women with dense breast tissue, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

Until recently, 3D mammography was mainly available in larger medical centers and research centers, but with FDA approval, 3D mammography is becoming more widely utilized in clinical practice.   Baptist Health LaGrange will be the first center east of the metropolitan Louisville area to offer this latest in breast screening technology. 

“3D mammography represents a significant breakthrough in improved detection of early breast cancer, while at the same time reducing the number of “false positive exams” that show abnormalities that turn out not to be cancer, “ said Richard Waggener, MD, radiologist at Baptist Health La Grange. “3D breast tomosynthesis obtains information from many thin layers of the breast, allowing the radiologist to more effectively and accurately identify abnormalities. This is particularly helpful in women with dense breasts.”

During the tomosynthesis 3D portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. The exam requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam.

While more detailed imagery offered by 3D mammograms benefits every woman regardless of breast type, it plays a critical role for patients with dense breast tissue. The benefits of

3D mammography includes:

• Easier detection: More accurately screen for and pinpoint the size and shape, and location of potential breast cancers.
• Earlier detection: Detect smaller tumors sooner at the earliest stages of breast cancer which are less likely to require extensive surgery or chemotherapy.
• Fewer false alarms: Better distinguish harmless abnormalities from real tumors resulting in less patient anxiety, reduced callbacks and less out-of-pocket expense for additional testing.

 

3D mammography is available at Baptist Health La Grange.  3D mammography is covered by Medicare, and the list of private insurers covering the exam is growing.  Patients for whom coverage is not yet offered may choose to add 3D images to their mammogram and will be charged an additional $60 to cover that portion of the exam. To schedule your appointment, call 502.222.3939. A physician order is required for mammography services.