Northern Montana Hospital performing 3D mammograms

Press release

Northern Montana Hospital recently acquired a 3-D mammography machine for use in its Imaging Department.

The Selenia Dimensions mammography machine uses hologic 3D mammography technology to aid in the detection of breast cancer. Its relatively quick scan time makes the procedure more comfortable for patients, and is a lower dose of radiation, due to the elimination of 2D X-ray exposure.

"There is a Breast Cancer Awareness slogan that says, 'Early Detection is the Best Prevention,'" Northern Montana Hospital Director of Imaging Heather Hartsock said. "While statistics show that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, studies also show that when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent. Mammograms are one of the methods used for early detection."

Results from many decades of research clearly show that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found early; less likely to need aggressive treatment like surgery to remove the entire breast - mastectomy - and chemotherapy, and more likely to be cured.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women should have the choice to start annual mammograms at age 40-44 but should have annual mammograms from age 45-54 and then could have bi-annual mammograms from then on.

3-D mammography is the latest weapon in the fight against breast cancer. The 3D exam allows doctors to examine breast tissue layer by layer.

"Instead of viewing all the tissue in 2D, I can now see finer details in the breast." Northern Montana Hospital Radiologist Dr. Walter Smith said. "There are no longer areas that are hidden by the tissue above or below it. I can view the traditional 2D image or a 2D image generated from the 3D image set."

"We are so excited to be able to bring this technology here to NMH to serve our patients," Hartsock added. "We're able to screen for breast cancer with greater accuracy, which will mean better breast cancer detection."

Patients who were waiting on the availability of appointments for their annual mammograms are encouraged to call 262-1218 and book an appointment.