Wake Forest Baptist Health - Wilkes Medical Center’s Diagnostic Imaging Center has expanded access to 3-D Mammography by recently purchasing a new General Electric Pristina mammography machine that’s available now.
“I am so excited that we are now able to offer the very latest technology to our patients, right here in Wilkes County,” said Dr. Gregory Evans, radiologist with Valley Radiology Associates and provider of services to Wilkes Medical Center. “This new 3-D mammography is a significant improvement over existing technology and allows us to more accurately detect early breast cancer.
The addition of 3-D mammography creates multiple images or “slices” that see through the breast tissue, allowing the radiologist to see more clearly and helping reduce the impact of overlapping breast tissue.
The process is performed at the same time as a traditional mammogram, on the same scanner and with no noticeable difference in the experience or time needed for the patient.
“By more accurately detecting early breast cancer, many of our patients will be able to avoid unnecessary follow-up exams and interventions,” said Dr. John McLarney, radiologist with Valley Radiology Associates and provider of services to Wilkes Medical Center. “This technology can benefit all patients, but especially those with dense breast tissue. Detecting breast cancer at a younger age can result in many more years of life saved.”
The procedure was approved by the FDA in February 2011 and is a modification of the current 2-D (digital) mammography. The exam is performed on state-of-the-art digital equipment, which is able to obtain multiple low-dose images of a compressed breast from different angles. These images are then viewed individually and dynamically. Radiologists are able to view breast tissue layer by layer, one millimeter at a time, similar to a CT scan.
Wilkes Medical Center’s breast imaging team consists of mammography-certified technologists and board-certified physicians.
Patients can call 336-651-8435 to schedule a mammogram appointment.
Carolyn Sheets, casheets@wakehealth.edu, 336-651-8357