NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Unveils Technologically Advanced Breast Imaging Equipment
3D Mammography Improves Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Oct 12, 2017
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue today unveiled several pieces of state-of-the-art, 3D breast imaging equipment that provide more detailed, higher-quality images, which will result in increased early detection of breast cancer and greater treatment options for patients.
Staff and patients gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Rita J. Kaplan Breast Imaging Center at the hospital, home to two new Hologic 3D Selenia Dimensions mammography units, one of which has an added feature—an Affirm 3D stereotactic biopsy device. Because tissue to be tested in different patients may be found in different parts of the breast, a second biopsy device with different capabilities has also been added—a 3D Prone Breast Biopsy system—which has the added benefit of increasing comfort for patients by allowing them to lie flat while undergoing the procedure. The new equipment allows the medical team to perform minimally invasive biopsies on a wide range of patients.
The new equipment is expected to serve more than 10,000 patients a year.
“We are pleased to be able to offer our patients mammograms and biopsies with the very best of equipment and the very best of staff,” said William Hicks, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “These services, like all our services, are available to all, regardless of ability to pay.”
“The new 3D mammography equipment allows the radiologist to view multiple imaging slices, which reduces the structural noise of overlapping tissue. This technique affords more accurate visualization of fine, important details,” said Dr. Hildegard Toth, Section Chief of Breast Imaging, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “The new machines will reduce the number of patients who are unnecessarily called back for additional pictures and improve biopsy specificity. In combination, these two things will greatly reduce patient anxiety, increase our efficiency, and deliver the best possible care for our patients. I am proud to be a part of this effort. Studies have shown that 3D mammography has increased the relative detection of early breast cancer by as much as 30% and reduced the recall rate by 15%,” Dr. Toth said. Comparing the new 3D mammography to the previous 2D mammography, the patient’s exam experience is virtually the same.
Isabel Spiegel, a breast cancer patient, said, “Bellevue’s staff is very knowledgeable and dedicated to providing great care to their patients. I am happy with the care that I received here. These high-tech machines will enhance the care that Bellevue is already providing to patients.”
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue’s Breast Care Service is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).
In conjunction with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, same-day mammograms were provided. In its ongoing recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue will also offer same-day mammograms on two other dates—Thursday, October 19, and Thursday, November 2—from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Interested patients should sign up in the Atrium Lobby.