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PrintMedical Reports: Breast Cancer Fight of the Future
Reported by:
Producer:
Janna Owen
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Archived Reports:
Doctors agree the key to beating breast cancer is early detection. Now, finding cancer has never been easier. The mammogram of the future is fired up in our own backyard. Seven's Diana Diaz shows us how it's saving lives.
WSVN -- Michelle Leeds has faced some frightening times when it comes to her family.
Michelle Leeds: "There are three cases of breast cancer in my family."
Her mom, aunt and first cousin are all breast cancer survivors.
Michelle Leeds: "In my situation, I started at the age of 30 years old to have mammography."
Now Michelle is part of a clinical trial at the Memorial Women's Imaging Center testing a new type of mammography called Digital Tomosynthesis.
Dr. Mary Hayes, Medical Director of Women's Imaging for Memorial Healthcare System: "Tomosynthesis is the next generation for digital mammography."
Unlike conventional mammography, which is two dimensional, the digital mammograms are in 3-D.
Dr. Mary Hayes: "So we can see the breast tissue much more closely, especially in the tissue behind the nipple, one millimeter by millimeter."
And that's important, especially for women at high risk.
The process is similar to having a regular mammogram, but with Tomosynthesis an X-ray tube moves in an arc around the breast while several images are taken. The information is then sent to a computer where the radiologist can see the breast in highly focused 3-D images.
Dr. Mary Hayes: "If we need to look at it with a magnification view, we have that ability as well."
So it's much easier to see even a tiny abnormality.
Dr. Mary Hayes: "We're really excited about this technology and think it holds a lot of promise for patients of all risk levels."
Michelle says the experience was quick and painless, and she urges all women to get their yearly mammograms.
Michelle Leeds: "I would highly encourage women to come and have this done."
Memorial will soon be opening up its study to all women who want to try Tomosynthesis. The new technology is pending FDA-approval.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Memorial Healthcare System:
Women's Imaging Scheduling:
Tel: 954-276-5500
Women's Imaging Main Number:
Tel: 954-985-5916
Research Related Questions:
Carina Marrero
Tel: 954-265-6966 or
E-mail: cmarrero@mhs.net