Covenant Health’s Arrington Comprehensive Breast Center and Covenant Levelland are the first breast imaging facilities in the region to offer new 3D digital breast tomosynthesis, a new technology developed to detect even more breast cancers than conventional mammography.

Dr. Cassy L. Cook, Covenant Radiology section chief, said the benefits of the 3D exam are many.

“This new technology uses x-rays combined with computers to generate a 3D image of the breast that is reviewed by the radiologist,” she said. “The Covenant Health network radiologists at Lubbock Diagnostic Radiology have undergone hours of additional specialized training to interpret these new images. Tomosynthesis is especially good at detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts. We are looking forward to providing this exciting new service to the women of West Texas.”

Lindsey Kennelly, mammography technologist and manager of the breast center, said the process is similar to a 2D exam that women are already used to, but with a few differences.

“The process and patient experience are very much the same, but the 3D imaging provides more detailed images,” Kennelly said. “The technologists have taken specialized training to perform the tomosynthesis mammograms and we are very pleased to be able to bring this technology to our patients.”

According to the manufacturer, more than 10 million women have benefitted from the 3D mammography exam. It can detect breast cancers 15 months earlier, and it is more accurate than traditional 2D mammograms.

(News release from Covenant Health)