The latest in 3D Mammography is available at DCH Regional Medical Center and Northport Medical Center.

Both hospitals are equipped with Genius™ 3D Mammography™ devices developed by Hologic. The technology is proven to increase the detection of breast cancers while decreasing the number of women who are asked to return for additional testing, according to Jim Smith, director of imaging services for the DCH Health System.

In a conventional mammogram, two X-ray images are taken of the breast, from top-to-bottom and from angled side-to-side, while the breast is compressed between a clear plastic paddle and an imaging detector. The problem is the compression may cause overlapping of breast tissue, which can hide abnormal tissue or make normal tissue appear abnormal.

The new Genius 3D Mammogram exam provides a three-dimensional method of imaging that can reduce the tissue overlap effect. A Genius exam includes both 2D images and tomosynthesis scans. During the tomosynthesis portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. Then a computer converts the images into a stack of thin layers, which allows the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time.