Mariners Hospital Now Offers 3-D Mammography

Mariners Hospital now offers one of the most advanced mammography tools available — 3-D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis — making it the only Keys facility to offer this latest technology.

“Patients experience little difference between a conventional 2-D mammogram and 3-D imaging,” said radiologist Michael Silberman, M.D., one of the radiologists who reads mammograms at Mariners.  “The exam takes only a few seconds longer, and the positioning is the same.  The real difference is in the information available to the doctor.

“The 3-D technology gives doctors a clearer view of breast tissue,” he said. “The 3-D mammogram unit takes 25 images in slices through the breast, much like a CT scan, making it less likely cancer will be hidden behind other tissue.”
With conventional mammography, the radiologist views the breast tissue in a flat image.  Sometimes breast tissue appears overlapped, making it difficult to see all the individual structures and making normal breast tissue look abnormal.  Three-D mammography virtually eliminates these challenges and allows the radiologist to better see the different structures as well as the location, size and shape of any abnormal tissue, such as smaller, more invasive cancers.

Dr. Silberman believes the greatest benefit provided by 3-D mammography is the reduction in the number of patients called back for additional testing.  In the past, if the radiologist saw an area that was questionable, the patient would be asked to return for additional imaging. Now when the breast tissue can be seen in smaller, thinner sections, a second look is frequently unnecessary.  Three-D mammography has been shown to lower recall rates by 17 to 40 percent, saving patients the anxiety and expense of having additional tests.

He noted that some healthcare professionals say there is a risk associated with the radiation dosage in a 3-D mammogram.  “But the dosages for a traditional and 3-D test are so very close that any risk is outweighed by the benefits.

“Patients should definitely pose the question to their doctors.  Ask if a 3-D mammogram would be beneficial for them. Based on the denseness of a woman’s breast, the doctor will be able to answer that question.”

Mariners continues to provide traditional digital mammograms. To schedule a mammogram at Mariners, call 305-434-1588.  A doctor’s prescription is required.

Mariners Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

Contact: Jen Pages, 786-243-8664