MRH debut’s 3-D mammography
by Shelley Farrington Lincoln News • March 25, 2021
MILLINOCKET – Millinocket Regional Hospital is in the forefront in the battle against COVID-19 providing important information, care and critical vaccine but it’s also working to be a leader in the fight against breast cancer with the introduction of three dimensional (3D) mammography.
The Hologic Selenia Dimensions 3D mammography machine replaces the 2D machine that the hospital staff previously used. It’s an exciting service upgrade and MRH Diagnostic Imaging Director Hal Cote said the first appointments for the state-of-the-art machine are scheduled for March 25.
Cote said this technology is the same that is used at Mass General, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel, St. Joseph’s in Bangor and Northern Light Health in Bangor.
“Our radiologists are contracted through Spectrum and are the same radiologists that read the images from Northern Light and St. Joseph’s in Bangor,” Cote said in an email. “You can now get the same quality of breast image, read by the same doctor without leaving town.”
Cote explained that digital breast tomosynthesis (3D) converts digital breast images into a stack of very thin layers or “slices” to build a three dimensional image. The image “slices” can be viewed like pages of a book and gives radiologists a closer look at all the layers of the breast.
“The technology helps identify cancer with greater accuracy and allows the radiologist to more clearly identify and closely examine any areas of concern,” Cote said. “When we find breast cancer early, you have more treatment options and great chance of complete recovery.”
For more information on MRH’s diagnostic imaging services contact your provider or the hospital at 723-5161.