Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Breast cancer affects both men and women. In Florida, 16,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed each year. Early breast cancer diagnosis is what spares lives and offers longevity. Physicians cannot stress the importance of getting regular mammograms as well as doing self-breast examinations enough. The breast cancer survival rates in the U.S. are 80-90% if caught in the first stage due to advanced care. However, the diagnosis in later stages drastically drops the survival rate to 24%. It’s essential to schedule your mammogram tests regularly, and if you feel a lump, please contact your physician immediately.
Mammograms have helped diagnose breast cancer early and eliminate metastasizing cancer and deaths; however, not all breast cancer is detected with traditional mammography. Additional breast cancer symptoms are lumps in the breast or underarm, pain, nipple discharge, or a physical change in the appearance of the breast or nipple. If you have any of those symptoms, your doctor will order you an advanced imaging test.
Early diagnosis saves lives, and it is critical for treating any cancer effectively. Regular screenings are imperative, as are self-diagnoses. If you notice any changes, making an appointment with your physician is vital.
2D Breast mammograms are standards, but they often miss the early stages of breast cancer.
Why 3D Mammography is Superior
3D mammography is a revolutionary state of the art technology approved by the FDA in February 2011, which gives radiologists the ability to view inside the breast layer by layer, helping to see the fine details more clearly by minimizing overlapping tissue. During a 3D mammogram, multiple low-dose images known as “slices” of the breast are acquired at different angles. With 3D technology, the radiologist can view a mammogram in a way never before possible. This new technology increases breast cancer detection by 38%.
3D mammography helps distinguish harmless abnormalities from real cancers, leading to fewer callbacks for additional mammography and less anxiety for women. With 3D mammography, Radiology Regional radiologists have reduced patient callback rates by 20-30 percent.
3D Biopsy Testing
Radiology Regional offers the latest, advanced testing for their patients when there is an abnormality that calls for biopsy of the breast tissue. With Hologic Affirm® 3D Biopsy testing, the patient is comfortably seated in a comprehensive machine that provides the most precise biopsy procedure. Additionally, this system allows the fusion of both imaging and interventional purposes.
About the 3D Affirm® Breast Biopsy Guidance System
This innovative interventional tool provides advanced breast health via the Affirm breast biopsy guidance system. This system enables 3D™ breast biopsies using the same imaging equipment as for mammography exams. It also includes a lateral arm upright biopsy accessory that allows for even more flexibility to access challenging lesion locations.
Advanced Imaging
With the 3D™ biopsy option, Radiology Regional practitioners can pinpoint subtle, tiny lesions and faint calcifications.
The use of this groundbreaking 3D™ imaging technology to perform breast biopsies offers these key advantages:
• Target lesions, including those visible only in tomosynthesis images.
• Streamlines procedure steps and speeds targeting, resulting in shorter patient procedure time.
• Reduces patient dose, as fewer exposures are required.
Interventional Biopsy
The system transitions from screening to interventional procedures to biopsy a wide spectrum of patients in a comfortable, seated position.
For over 50 years, Radiology Regional has expanded its scope of services and number of outpatient facilities to meet the growing needs of their patients and referring physicians. Radiology Regional has thirteen , ACR accredited and convenient locations to serve you. Their dedicated team of board-certified radiologists, registered technologists, and other specialists are committed to providing their patients with exceptional care utilizing the most advanced technology and techniques available.
Radiology Regional has 13 locations in 3 counties, Lee, Collier and Charlotte. Ask your physician to refer you to Radiology Regional for your imaging needs.
Contact Radiology Regional today at
(941) 255-7945, (239) 425-4678 (Español)
18300 Murdock Circle, Building #15
Port Charlotte (Behind the Surgery Center)
www.radiologyregional.com
Source:
https://www.hologic.com/hologic-products/breast-skeletal/affirm-
breast-biopsy-guidance-system
