Logansport Memorial Hospital (LMH) is proud to be offering the latest advancements in breast imaging technology, with the new Genius 3D Mammography exam developed by Hologic, Inc. This new technology is now the standard test for all women who make appointments for their annual screening mammograms at LMH. 3D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis) is clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.
The new Genius 3D Mammography system offers exceptionally sharp breast images, and an advanced design providing more patient comfort. Overall, patients might not notice much of a difference in the physical procedure, but the new SmartCurve paddles have been reported to offer greater comfort for some patients due to their smoother, curved design. The benefits of the new technology are significant. Studies show that 3D mammography offers improved clarity and cancer detection compared with conventional 2D mammography. With the improved clarity, radiologists are able to confirm whether the mammogram is showing a tumor earlier in the screening process.
“3D mammograms give us a layer-by-layer view of the breast tissue.”
– Dr. Todd Weinstein
“3D mammograms give us a layer-by-layer view of the breast tissue,” explained Dr. Todd Weinstein, General Surgeon and Medical Director for Logansport Memorial’s Breast Care Center. “In conventional 2D mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal. With this three-dimensional method of imaging that we now have with the Genius 3D, small tumors can’t hide behind blood vessels or dense tissue like they have previously on a 2D mammogram.”
Dr. Weinstein went on to comment, “This system is the only clinically superior breast tomosynthesis system that is approved by the FDA, and it is recommended for women of all ages and breast densities. It allows our partner radiologists from Summit Radiology to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape, and location of abnormalities. Also, we can more easily determine if something is perfectly normal, so there are fewer callbacks for additional testing. Better detection and greater peace of mind for our patients are two valuable benefits that mean a lot to me and my colleagues as we care for our patients.”
In addition to 3D mammography, Logansport Memorial Hospital is also pleased to offer stereotactic 3D-guided breast biopsy using the Hologic Affirm Breast Biopsy System. A 3D-guided breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure using 3D mammography and x-ray imaging to gather tissue samples from a breast abnormality. With this new biopsy technology from Hologic, there are several key advantages for the patient over having a standard x-ray procedure, including faster targeting and sampling of the lesion and fewer x-ray exposures. Patients recline comfortably in the prone position (lying face down), removed from the field of view of the biopsy instruments.
Logansport Memorial Hospital is one of the few hospitals in the state to offer this advanced technology for 3D-guided breast biopsy. It surpasses the biopsy technology available in many of the hospitals across the north central Indiana region.
Beth Jump, Chief Operating Officer for Logansport Memorial Hospital, has led the Breast Care Center capital project because it is one of the departments under her direct reporting and oversight. She commented, “The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. This powerful combination of imaging capabilities in mammography and biopsy procedures is especially valuable for women receiving a baseline screening, those who have dense breast tissue, and women with a personal history of breast cancer. Investing in advanced technology that has the potential to make such an impact on one of the many health challenges our community faces ensures that we will continue to offer the highest levels of care and quality. We are thrilled to have this in place for our patients, and we hope it increases the number of women in our service area across the region who will come for routine screenings.”
The investment in this state-of-the-art technology was also made possible through generous gifts from community donors at the 2019 “Up on the Roof” Gala, hosted by the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation. Those in attendance were given the opportunity to “fund the need” and knew that their donations would be used toward the purchase of this life-saving equipment. A total of $75,000 was raised and donated.
Vicki Byrd, Vice-President of Planning and Development who is responsible for the oversight of the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation (LMHF) commented, “The decision to assist with purchasing 3D mammography in our community was easy. This is a piece of equipment that will bless our entire community with more birthdays, anniversaries, and family milestones. Whenever we approach our community and our donor base with an opportunity for giving, we want to demonstrate the impact their gift has the potential to make. This will truly make a life-changing impact on the health of our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and all the women in our lives that we care about. Now we just need those women to do their part and commit to getting their yearly mammogram.”
This is not the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation’s first time supporting breast cancer awareness efforts in our community. Each October, LMHF hosts the River Bluff Run at our River Bluff Trail to promote and celebrate breast cancer awareness efforts in our community. Proceeds from the event go toward the Foundation’s Breast Screening Fund, which exists to provide financial assistance for Cass County women ages 40 and older who need a screening mammogram and are uninsured or under-insured. “We don’t want someone’s financial situation to prevent them from getting the care they need,” said Vicki. “This is one small way that we can give back and continue doing our part to provide access to local care for local women. Participants who have supported our event year after year feel good about their donations staying here to benefit women they may know and love.”
To make an appointment for your annual mammogram, call LMH Central Scheduling at (574) 753-1488. You can also talk with your doctor at your primary care appointment about this technology and get a referral, if you need it. If financial assistance is needed, Central Scheduling representatives can help patients access that on a case-by-case basis.
If you would like to make a gift to the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation for future needs like this, please contact Vicki Byrd at (574) 753-1414.
Our first 3D mammography patient
Sandra Shaw was the first patient to receive a 3D mammogram at Logansport Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, April 28. Logansport Memorial Hospital is privileged to care for her and women across the north central Indiana region using this state-of-the-art technology.
