Wide-angle 3D mammography offered at Lincoln Hospital
Contact: Carey Guhlke-Falk
Davenport, WA – Lincoln Hospital is advancing the fight against breast cancer by installing innovative technology designed to overcome barriers to detection and compliance with the purchase of the Siemens Mammomat Revelation (the Revelation). “We chose the Revelation because the wide-angle technology makes it easier to find even the smallest cancers earlier with greater accuracy,” said Jean Reindeau, Imaging Supervisor for Lincoln Hospital. “We also see the system’s personalized compression helping women overcome any fear they might have because the exam has been designed to be more comfortable.”
The advantage of wide-angle, next-generation 3D mammography
The Revelation, from Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc., is the next generation of 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) – the high quality technology you would find in Spokane, right here in our local community. With its unique wide 50-degree angle and the industry’s highest depth resolution, the Revelation captures more detail for extremely high-quality 3D images that increase diagnostic confidence and enable earlier detection of even subtle lesions.
The Revelation is also the first mammography platform to provide automated breast density measurements at the point of examination. High breast density can increase the risk of developing cancer. Currently, breast density is estimated visually during the image reading process, usually after the patient leaves. With the Revelation, getting this information during the exam enables immediate and personalized risk assessment and allows Lincoln Hospital’s imaging staff to provide supplemental imaging while the patient is in her exam.
The comfort of personalized compression
Compression is key to getting an accurate mammogram. However, the associated discomfort and pain are key reasons why women avoid mammography exams. “It was important to us to consider any barrier that could stop a woman from getting the screening she needs,” said Reindeau. With the mammography machine’s Personalized Soft Compression, each woman gets exactly the right amount of compression for her breast type. The force is automatically adjusted for the greatest individual comfort without compromising any accuracy.
“We are thrilled to bring this technology to Lincoln County and surrounding areas,” said Tyson Lacy, Chief Executive Officer for Lincoln Hospital and Clinics. “This system will enable our patients to access high quality images with an increased patient experience to make early detection possible. We are committed to continuing Lincoln County’s legacy of fighting breast cancer.”
The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend women receive a mammogram every 12 months starting at age 40. Any patient under 40 years of age with a family history of breast cancer should talk with their healthcare provider to see if a mammogram should be considered.
“While self-breast-exams remain important to do, we now have improved technology to detect cancer earlier than a self-exam will detect any abnormalities,” said Reindeau. “It’s important to get screened every year because catching cancer early can save your life.”
To schedule a mammogram at Lincoln Hospital call 509-725-2975.