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New technology at Genesis gives women better mammogram option

Genesis has a new 3D mammogram machine that takes multiple images of a woman’s breast, giving them a better picture. “The strength of Tomosynthesis,...

Genesis has a new 3D mammogram machine that takes multiple images of a woman's breast, giving them a better picture.

"The strength of Tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography is that you get multiple images through the breast, which decreases the overlap, and decreases the amount of benign or normal breast tissue that overlaps and can look like something else," said Dr. Roopa Goswami, a Diagnostic Radiologist at Genesis Imaging in Davenport.

Research shows 3D mammograms increase cancer detection rates by 41-percent. The 3D image makes it less likely for radiologists to miss fine details that are sometimes overlooked in a normal mammogram.

The more accurate image also decreases women's chances of being called back for a second screening.

"It's just like a regular [mammogram,] there was nothing different about it. It was very quick, painless," said Wendy Fix, a patient at Genesis Imaging. "The most important thing is the peace of mind, that to me is everything."

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. If it's caught early on, those women are 98-percent more likely to live past the five-year survival rate, giving them more of a fighting chance.

"Anything we can do to help screen and diagnose and treat breast cancer is a step in the right direction," Dr. Goswami said.

The test is covered under Medicare, but not by commercial insurance companies.  Some patients could get the exam for a $60 cost, but the cost of a 3D mammogram varies depending on your insurance. To find out how much you'll have to pay, you should contact your insurance company, according to a communications associate at Genesis.

A spokesperson from UnityPoint said 3D mammography is offered at multiple imaging centers in the area.  Advanced Imaging Center in Moline is now scheduling appointments by phone at 309-743-0445.

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