BAM Donates High-Technology to Eisenhower
Eisenhower First in the Coachella Valley to Offer Newest Technology in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The Desert Sun
This week, eisenhower Medical Center became the first hospital in the Coachella Valley to install the SenoClaire three-dimensional breast tomosynthesis by GE Healthcare - versatile imaging technology offering high resolution, low radiation mammograms that provide excellent detection for many patients, particularly those with dense breasts. As a result, doctors have the ability to identify cancers when they are smaller, reducing the need for additional imaging.
"We are so proud to bring our patients the latest in 3D mammography, enhancing out ability to provide them with a more precise screening process," says Vicki Koceja, Cheif Administrative Officer, Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center. "Studies indicate that when cancer is detected and treated early, survival rates increase. GE Healthcare's SenoClaire gives our radiologists another important tool to detect cancer at its most curable stage."
Unlike traditional digital mammography, breast tomosynthesis can produce nine different exposures from different angles that offer a 3D view of the breast. SenoClaire is also the only FDA-approved digital breast tomosynthesis to use a "step-and-shoot" method, a short X-ray sweep around the positioned breast, to acquire exposures. Since the tube coes to a complete stop when capturing each one of the nine exposures, this technique removes potential motion which helps reduce blurring and increase image sharpness.
"There is no increase in radiation from a 2D standard mammogram to a 3D view, which means no increased radiation to patients during a SenoClaire breast exam," says John Cutrone, MD, Medical Director, Eisenhower Schnitzer/Novack Breast Center. "What's more, using 3D mammography can help improve cancer detection that mights have gone undetected in a 2D mammogram in patients with dense breasts [breasts that have more fibrous or glandular tissue versus fatty tissue]."
SenoClaire's technology seperates tissues and reduces overlapping of structures, enabling better characterization of malignant and benign findings compared with traditional mammography. This type of technology has the potential to revolutionize mammography and breast cancer screening at dose levels equivalent to those with 2D mammography.
To learn if a SenoClaire mammogram is right for you and for more information, please call 760-773-2038
