ER WAIT
iDid you know that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime? That’s why it’s important to begin annual mammogram screenings at age 40. Regular mammograms are essential to early detection and the fight against breast cancer. In fact, with early detection, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 100 percent.
At Starr Regional Medical Center, your breast health is important to us. Our caring staff uses the latest technology – like 3D mammography – in a comfortable and welcoming environment to help you stay on top of your health and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing and being prepared.
3D mammography is a type of digital mammography which uses advanced technology to take images of your breast from different angles and combine them to create a more complete and accurate image of your breast than is possible with regular 2D digital mammography.
3D mammography follows the same basic procedure that you’re probably accustomed to with regular 2D digital mammography. 3D lasts just a few seconds longer, slightly extending the time of minor discomfort you may feel and the low-risk radiation exposure involved with all forms of digital mammography.
The more complete and accurate image of your breast generated by 3D mammography allows us to detect breast cancer earlier and more effectively than traditional 2D mammography, so that we can take action to help you fight.
3D mammography is particularly effective if you have dense breast tissue or have been given a previous cancer or lesion diagnosis.
And 3D mammography’s higher accuracy means less unnecessary return visits to the doctor for false positives that turn out to be non-cancerous.
What does all of that mean for you? Greater peace of mind.
Starr Regional Medical Center has added the GE Senographe Pristina with Dueta™, which is designed to provide patients relief from the discomfort often associated with mammogram screenings. The design also improves the technician’s workflow, which improves patient positioning that could lead to faster, more precise exams. Under the radiographer's supervision and guidance, the Dueta feature allows women to play an active role in determining their level of breast compression with the help of a remote control.
To schedule a 3D or 2D mammogram, call the Scheduling Department at 423.744.3372.
Ultrasounds are often performed for many reasons, including when suspicious findings show up on a mammogram. These painless exams help in determining if the finding is a cyst or a mass.
Stereotactic and ultrasound core biopsies can be performed at the Breast Center when further testing is necessary. These procedures remove tissue samples for examination without surgery.
A bone density test is a simple procedure that can be scheduled at the same time as your annual mammogram. This test is used to detect early signs of osteoporosis by measuring the mineral content in the hip and spine where bone loss is most likely to occur.