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UHS Delaware Valley Hospital now offers 3D mammography

September 25, 2017

UHS Delaware Valley Hospital is now offering digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as three-dimensional mammography (3D Mammography). 

“This newest form of mammography is another advanced tool we are happy to offer for the diagnosis of breast cancer,” said Paul Summers, president and chief executive officer of UHS Delaware Valley Hospital. “It is an example of how we continually strive to bring the latest technology to the residents of our area, so they don’t have to travel long distances to benefit from advances in testing and diagnostic equipment.” 

For some women – especially those with very dense breasts – if an area on the mammogram looks suspicious, (called an anomoly) it is often difficult for radiologists to determine if the area truly looks like a malignancy or just normal breast tissue that is too dense to see clearly.  This situation may lead to a number of false positives, meaning that there appears to be possible evidence of a malignancy, requiring further diagnostic imaging, which then reveals no malignancy.

“With the new 3D mammography, dozens of digital images of the breast can be taken from several angles and synthesized through a computer using tomosynthesis, creating a 3D image of the breast,” said Colleen O’Kelly Priddy, MD, breast surgeon at UHS. “This technology enables doctors to see inside breast anomalies with far more clarity.” 

Dr. O’Kelly Priddy also pointed out that the biggest advantage of 3D mammography is that it reduces or eliminates the need for additional diagnostic mammograms, which can reduce a lot of anxiety for patients and their families.

For more information or to schedule a mammogram, call the UHS Delaware Valley Hospital Imaging Center at 607-865-2126. In addition to day time appointments, the department also offers both evening and weekend availability to help accommodate the needs of anyone’s schedule.