FDA Approves New 3D Mammography Imaging System for Breast Cancer Detection

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) recommends that women age 40 and older have a mammogram every year to help in early detection of breast cancer. Approximately 10 percent of women are required to undergo additional testing after their initial screening mammography for irregularities, which are often found to not be cancerous.

The RSNA estimates that approximately 207,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2010. About one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

On February 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of a 3D mammography imaging system, the first of its kind, to help doctors detect and diagnose breast cancer.

Currently, one of the best tools for the early detection of breast cancer is the mammogram, which is a safe, low-dose X-ray of the breast, but is limited to 2D imaging. The newly approved Selenia Dimensions System is able to provide both 2D and 3D images of a patient’s breasts. During the approval process of the technology, the FDA reviewed the results from two separate studies in which radiologists reviewed both 2D and 3D images from over 300 mammography exams. In both studies, radiologists gained a 7 percent improvement in their ability to differentiate between non-cancerous and cancerous lesions, as compared to viewing only 2D images.

When breast cancer is discovered early, while the disease is still localized to a patient’s breast, there is a 98 percent survival rate. As with all types of cancer, there is a better prognosis if your healthcare providers are able to accurately diagnose the disease and commence treatment in a timely fashion.

If you believe your doctor or other healthcare provider failed to properly diagnose your cancer and contributed to the progression of the disease, worsened prognosis, or the need for more extensive treatment, the New Jersey failure to diagnose cancer lawyers at Blume Forte may be able to help. For a no-cost consultation, call 973-845-4421.

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