HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 23, 2013–The first large-scale U.S. study comparing conventional 2D mammography screening exams alone versus 2D mammography with the addition of 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) technology has been completed at TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center. The study showed that, with the addition of 3D mammography, there was a significant reduction in recall rates as well as an increase in cancer detection, particularly invasive cancer found across all breast tissue densities. The results of the study were published in the June issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR).
The study, “Implementation of Breast Tomosynthesis in a Routine Screening Practice: An Observational Study,” was led by Stephen L. Rose, MD, Medical Director of TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center and President of TOPS’ radiology group, Houston Breast Imaging (HBI), which includes a group of nationally known and board certified breast imaging specialists. Andra Tidwell, BSRT, Imaging Director of TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center, was a co-author on the study.
The analysis compared the outcomes of 2D mammography screening exams prior to the introduction of 3D mammography with the results of mammography screening exams conducted after breast tomosynthesis was introduced into the practice. The study population included 13,856 women who had received conventional 2D mammography screening exams and 9,499 women who received a breast tomosynthesis screening exam in addition to a 2D mammogram. The images were interpreted by six radiologists with an average 12 years of reading experience.
The researchers found that adding 3D mammography to a 2D screening exam produced the following results: Reduction in recall rates by 37 percent Cancer detection increased by over 30 percent Increased detection of invasive cancers by more than 50 percent Instead of viewing all tissue complexities superimposed as they are on a traditional 2D mammogram, 3D mammography allows the radiologist to scroll through the layers of the breast in very thin slices. This reduces the confusion of superimposed tissue while simultaneously increasing breast cancer detection rates.
Karen T. Stall, founder of the Karen T. Stall Research Breast Institute, noted that, “The lives of women can be transformed by making 3D mammography the standard breast cancer screening tool.” Along with Hologic, the Karen T. Stall Research Breast Institute provided funding for the study.
Once 3D technology received FDA Approval, Stephen L. Rose, MD, became instrumental in establishing TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center as Houston’s first breast imaging center to offer 3D mammography. TOPS has added this technology to all four TOPS Breast Center locations, including Red Oak/1960, Kingwood, Willowbrook and The Woodlands. TOPS was the first breast imaging center in Texas to provide 3D mammography. As the largest and most experienced provider in Texas, TOPS has already performed over 43,000 Tomo exams since May 2011 and provides 3D mammography to over 97% of their patients.
“We at TOPS are proud to further the cause of breast cancer research with the latest technological advancements. Being a patient centered, physician led organization is what drives our approach to patient care. I believe this study shows that TOPS is committed to exceeding the expectations of our patients and physicians. I’d like to thank Dr. Stephen Rose, Andra Tidwell, Imaging Director, and our team of dedicated professionals at TOPS Comprehensive Breast Centers who were paramount to the success of this study,” said Samuel H. Rossmann, CEO of TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital and Breast Centers.
Andra Tidwell, BSRT, TOPS Imaging Director and co-author of the paper stated, “3D mammography is the most exciting improvement in women’s imaging that I have seen in my 20 year career as a mammographer. I am ecstatic to be part of a team that provides this breakthrough technology to our patients on such a large scale. My biggest wish would be for women over 40 to get their annual screening mammogram with this 3D technology.” “Breast tomosynthesis is the most significant breakthrough in screening for breast cancer that I have seen in my lifetime,” said Stephen L. Rose, MD. “The key to a good screening test is one that disrupts as few lives as possible by creating less anxiety for patients, all while still finding the disease at its earliest stage. We have found just that.”
TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center has served the North Houston area for over 10 years and has a team passionately devoted to providing patients with high quality breast care. TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center is recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by American College of Radiology ( ACR). TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center is affiliated with TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital, a patient centered, physician driven healthcare facility managed by United Surgical Partners International. Both the Hospital and Breast Centers are committed to their mission: To provide first-class surgical services for the local community in a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment; one in which we would be happy to treat our own families.
