Piedmont Newton Hospital now offers 3-D breast imaging technology. The tomosynthesis 3-dimensional imaging units take better images of the breast interior, decreasing the number of “false positive” diagnoses and increasing the chances of early detection of cancer.

Piedmont Newton is one of few hospitals in the area offering the technology. Breast tomosynthesis allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time, building what is essentially a 3-dimensional mammogram.

“While digital mammography remains one of the most advanced technologies today, it’s only a 2-dimensional image,” said Amanda Bauer, MD, breast radiologist at Piedmont Newton. “Overlapping tissues in a standard mammogram may lead to false positive results where there is the appearance of an abnormality that isn’t there and false negative readings where the tissue obscures a malignant tumor.”

3-D breast imaging produces a series of contiguous, thin slices of breast tissue with minimal distracting overlap, allowing a better image of the breast interior and improving chances of early detection.

“Early detection is critical in increasing the survival rate among breast cancer patients,” said Wendy Hankins, RN, cancer navigator at Piedmont Newton. “When detected early, most patients have a better chance of being treated successfully.”

According to the American Cancer Society, about 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2017. Survival rates continue to increase due to early detection, increased awareness and improved treatment options. Today, there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

In addition to 3-D breast imaging, Piedmont Newton provides screening and diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, bone densitometry, stereotactic guided biopsy, ultrasound guided biopsy and MRI guided biopsies. For more information, visit piedmont.org.