CHA Launches 3D Mammography

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), an academic community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville and Boston’s metro-north region, is expanding access to advanced breast imaging technology with its launch of digital breast tomosynthesis (also known as 3D mammography). CHA now offers this procedure at its Cambridge and Whidden Hospitals.

Tomosynthesis is a new type of mammogram that creates multiple images or slices that step through the breast tissue. With multiple slices, radiologists have a more detailed and accurate image of the breast as they are better able to see through overlapping tissue. The exam is performed on state-of-the-art digital equipment, which is able to obtain multiple images of a compressed breast from different angles.

The procedure is particularly helpful in women with dense breast tissue because it allows for a more sensitive evaluation and has been proven to reduce the number of women who have to be called back for additional mammographic imaging, reducing the anxiety associated with these call-backs. Although tomosynthesis requires the same amount of compression as conventional mammography, many patients find it more tolerable. This is because each image is performed in a few seconds with no need for a breath-hold.

CHA offers comprehensive Radiology services for women from across Massachusetts, including upgraded 64-slice CT scanners, new MRI units and a comprehensive Interventional Radiology suite. CHA is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence and has earned national ACR accreditation in CT, Mammography, MRI, Ultrasound, Breast Ultrasound and Breast Biopsy services. For more information about breast imaging or tomosynthesis please call 617-665-1298 or visit www.challiance.org/breastcenter.

Cambridge Health Alliance is an academic community health system committed to providing high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville and Boston’s metro-north communities. CHA has expertise in primary care, specialty care and mental health/substance use services, as well as caring for diverse and complex populations. It includes three hospital campuses, a network of primary care and specialty practices and the Cambridge Public Health Dept. CHA patients have seamless access to advanced care through the system’s affiliation with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. CHA is a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate and is also affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine. For more information, visit www.challiance.org.