Mercy Medical Center Adds 3-D Technology for Breast Imaging

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center has added new, state-of-the-art, 3-D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) for better breast cancer detection.

The 3-D imaging technology — SenoClaire, GE Healthcare’s new breast tomosynthesis solution that gained approval from the FDA in 2014 — uses a low-dose, short X-ray sweep around the positioned breast. This imaging technique is designed to separate the tissues and to reduce the overlapping of structures, which represents a limiting factor in standard 2-D mammography.

“We are pleased to be working with GE Healthcare to provide women with a precise screening tool to help detect breast cancer,” said Dr. Simon Ahtaridis, interim chief medical officer, Mercy Medical Center. “When cancer is identified and treated early, we know women have a better rate of survival.”

3-D images of the breast provide the radiologist with significantly more visual information about the mammogram, improving the ability to confirm that tissue is normal and additional testing will not be needed.

“SenoClaire marks a significant step forward in helping our clinicians detect breast cancer,” said Ahtaridis. “At Mercy Medical Center, our goal is to provide our patients with the most effective ways to battle cancer from every possible angle, with innovative procedures, medicines, and technology.”

For more information regarding 3-D mammography or to schedule a mammogram, call (413) 748-9101.