Mayo Clinic recommends that by age 40, women should start having yearly mammograms. According to the Centers for Disease Control, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death among women in South Dakota. Locally, in the battle against breast cancer, a stateof- the-art tool is now available. The Marshall County Healthcare Center is now offering 3D mammography.
Up until this month, MCHC offered two-dimensional mammography. While such mammograms are a useful tool in the detection of breast cancer, the more advanced 3D technology is even better.
A two-dimensional mammogram takes pictures of each breast from the front and the side to create a single image. This can show areas of overlapping breast tissue on the images. According to UCLA Health, 3D mammography provides radiologists with multiple, thin-section images, allowing the radiologist to evaluate breast tissue layer by layer.
This more advanced type of mammogram uses a process called Tomosynthesis. During the exam, the x-ray arm moves in a small arc over the breast and acquires multiple lowdose images, which are reconstructed into a 3D image. The images include thin one millimeter slices, enabling the radiologist to scroll through im-ages of the entire breast like flipping through pages of a book, and providing more detail than previously possible.
MCHC Lead Radiology Technician Nikki Kotzer says there are many benefits to the 3D mammography. These include earlier diagnosis and more accurate detection. “With the 3D imagery, 40% more cancer is detected and is found earlier,” she said. She adds that this type of mammogram has better detection in dense breast tissue as well.
Another plus is less anxiety due to this technology. Kotzer explains that the 3D mammograms help reduce the number of times women need to come back for additional imaging that confirms they don’t have cancer. It also results in fewer false positives for women.
Kotzer says the equipment isn’t housed in Britton, but comes in a traveling trailer. She notes that the technology is still relatively rare for smaller hospitals to have access to, so we are fortunate here in Marshall County. After your mammogram in Britton, the images are generated and sent to Aberdeen for a radiologist to read.
Kotzer is very excited to have this opportunity in Britton. “This opens up a lot of options for local women, especially the elderly and busy women with kids who might not have time to travel to a bigger town for a 3D mammogram,” she emphasized.
MCHC CEO Nick Fosness is also happy to see this technology in Britton. “Our goal is to provide high quality healthcare in a rural setting,” he stated. “Adding 3-D mammography is one of those new services we are proud of. Breast cancer has affected most of us in some way and early detection is key. Having the best technology in Britton saves miles, but most importantly-Can save a life.” At MCHC, this new type of mammogram will be available by appointment on certain days. Appointments are booking fast, but there are times in May available. Call the hospital at 605-448-2253 to set up an appointment.
