3D Mammography Available at Pleasant Valley Hospital

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Pleasant Valley Hospital prides itself for making the latest technology available to women of the Ohio Valley Region at the Breast Health Center. As the only hospital in the area to offer three dimensional (3D mammography), Pleasant Valley Hospital offers technology that delivers clearer pictures, making it easier to catch breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

3D mammography produces a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue that helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 3D mammography can increase detection of invasive breast cancers by up to 40 percent (over traditional 2D mammography).

“Our new 3D mammography system offers exceptionally sharp images, an ergonomic design for better patient comfort, and the ability to screen all breast types,” said Suresh Agrawal, M.D, radiologist. “It’s especially helpful for screening dense breasts, since the tissue can be viewed in paper-thin slices.”

During a 3D mammography exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles. These images are then used to produce a series of 1-millimeter (1/32 of an inch) sections that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast.

“Breast cancer screening with 3D mammography enhances visibility, which can decrease the need for additional images and reduce ‘call backs’ and anxiety over false alarms,” Dr. Agrawal said.

The breast 3D mammography screening experience is similar to a traditional mammogram. No additional breast compression is required, and it only takes a few more seconds to capture the 3D images compared to the standard 2D images.

“Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer,” said Sam Badran, M.D., a gynecologist/surgical gynecologist at Pleasant Valley Hospital. “Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival.”

For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40, with no upper age limit as long as the woman is in good health. Women at a higher risk for developing breast cancer may be advised to begin having mammograms at an earlier age. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk. *

“By offering women the most advanced and accurate technology in mammography, Pleasant Valley Hospital expects to increase the number of women in Mason County and the surrounding community who will be routinely screened as well as the number of lives that will be saved,” Dr. Badran said.

Ask your doctor if breast 3D mammography is right for you. An order from a physician is not required, but the patient must provide a physician/provider name when an appointment is made. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider.

Pleasant Valley Hospital offers breast imaging services including 3D Mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and stereotactic breast biopsy. To schedule a screening 3D Mammogram, call (304) 675.6257. *For American College of Radiology recommendations, visit www.acr.org.