BBGH Genius™ 3D Mammography™ Exams from Hologic game changer for community
Mammographers Amber Smith, RT(R)(M) and Leslie Hulquist, RT(R)(M) are shown here standing next to the BBGH Diagnostic Imaging Department’s new Genius™ 3D Mammography™ machine, developed by Hologic, Inc.
Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams are clinically proven to increase invasive cancer detection and reduce recall rates
The Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) Diagnostic Imaging Department is excited to offer Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams, developed by Hologic, Inc. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, Genius exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, and also decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.
Everything is better in 3D.
In conventional 2D Mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks or missed opportunities for early treatment. A Genius exam includes a three-dimensional method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect.
“I like to use the analogy of reading a book,” said BBGH Radiology Tech Leslie Hulquist, RT(R)(M). “A radiologist using 2D mammography images is like trying to read a book with the cover closed. You’ve got all these words compressed together, and the radiologist, as trained as he or she is, might not see a suspicious ‘word’ because it’s been blocked out by ‘words’ on other pages; or he might think he’s seeing something suspicious, when that image is just a few normal ‘words’ overlapping. 3D Mammography TM exams open that book up so that the radiologist can see each page, making it much easier for the radiologist to read what’s there.”
A Genius exam includes both 2D images and tomosynthesis scans. During the tomosynthesis-DIMENSIONAL portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. A Genius exam requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam.
The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam, available on the 3Dimensions™ and Selenia® Dimensions® systems from Hologic, are revolutionizing how breast cancer is detected by providing a better option for men and women of all breast densities compared to 2D alone. Researchers have found that:
The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam finds 20-65% more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D alone, an average increase of 41%.
Only the Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam is FDA approved as superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone.
The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam reduces callbacks by up to 40% compared to 2D alone.
The BBGH Diagnostic Imaging Department is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering the Genius exam, the department provides a more accurate tool for breast cancer screening. “I am very passionate about mammography exams and what they provide for women,” concluded Radiology Tech Amber Smith. RT(R)(M). “With the Genius exam, we have a much better chance of detecting breast cancer at an early stage. With early detection the five-year survival rate is almost 100%. So I strongly urge area residents to take advantage of this new technology, either as the tool of choice for their yearly checkup, or if they feel something, right away.”
Women or men wishing to schedule a Genius 3D Mammography™ exam, or who have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact the BBGH Diagnostic Imaging Department at 308.761.1311.
The Diagnostic Imaging Department is hosting an Open House to introduce the public to the new Genius exam technology. It will be held Wednesday, February 13, at BBGH from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the Department’s waiting room. Please plan to attend.
Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
