Residents of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and surrounding areas now have the opportunity to catch breast cancer earlier with the help of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital’s new 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) machine.
In April of this year, the hospital installed the machine with the intent of providing patients with the newest technology.
“We wanted to bring the best technology to the patients of this area,” Regional manager for imaging Lori Smith, MBA, RT (R) RDMS, RDCS, RVT, said. “So far, the patients have all loved it. We are bringing something to this area that the patients have not had before. We have routine mammograms, but now we are bringing a new level of care.”
The main difference in the mammograms, according to Smith, is the way images are displayed.
“In a routine mammogram, the image is flat,” Smith said. “The way they presented the 3D mammogram to us was by presenting a metaphor of a book. With a traditional mammogram, you just see the flat pages, but when you do a 3D mammogram, you flip through the entire book. The images are displayed as a series of thin slices that allow our team to view the breast tissue one thin layer at a time. It breaks it down so that you are able to see the finer details.”
Smith, who is a breast cancer survivor, stressed the importance of getting routine mammograms.
“I am adamant about breast cancer,” Smith said. “Early detection is what gets you to be a survivor. Mine was caught early because of a mammogram. With the 3D mammogram, it is possible to catch breast cancer even earlier because of those finer details. I waited 18 months between my mammograms, and they found it. It was caught right before it became evasive.”
With COVID-19 restrictions lightening up in the area, Smith encourages patients to come to the hospital without any fear.
“I think it is important that people know that it is OK to come to the hospital,” Smith said. “The facilities have taken precaution against COVID. So, it is safe to come get this. With the 3D mammogram it actually eliminates more visits to the hospital, because they are able to see everything just from that one image. With traditional mammograms, you would have to wait on that second call, and it is gut wrenching, and nobody wants that.”
For those interested in getting a 3D mammogram, Smith said patients do not need an order from their physician.
“If it has been a year since your last mammogram and you did not have any issues, then you do not need an order from a physician,” Smith said. “All you need is a current physician to receive the report.”
Smith said another important way to detect breast cancer early is by self-exams.
“Women need to continue to do their self-exams,” Smith said. “If they notice anything then they need to contact their doctor.”
3D Mammograms and the COVID-19 Vaccine
The Society of Breast Imaging released a help diagram for women that have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Some women who receive the COVID-19 vaccine develop swollen lymph nodes under their arm on the same side as their vaccine injection. This is the normal immune reaction to a vaccine. These swollen lymph nodes usually return to normal on their own in a few days or weeks.
The society recommends scheduling a screening mammogram before the first COVID-19 vaccine dose, or at least four weeks after the second vaccine dose. This reduces the chance that swollen lymph nodes from the vaccine will appear on the mammogram.
If the mammogram is already scheduled, the society advises to keep the vaccination appointment. Getting vaccinated is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19. Consider rescheduling your screening mammogram if possible before the vaccine. However, if overdue for a screening exam or cannot reschedule within the next few months, keep the screening mammogram appointment and keep the COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
One main thing the society advises is telling the mammography technologist if you have received a COVID-19 vaccine. State whether it’s your first or second dose.
For more information, contact the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital Radiology Department at 828-526-1467.
To schedule an appointment, call 828-883-5021.