Latest in Breast Cancer Screening Available at South Florida Baptist Hospital Breast Center

PLANT CITY, Fla.  – July 15, 2015 – Tomosynthesis, the latest screening and diagnostic technology, is available at the South Florida Baptist Hospital Breast Center beginning July 14, 2015.  South Florida Baptist Hospital is one of the facilities within BayCare Health System to offer three-dimensional breast tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening.

“We now have even better technology available to help us find cancer earlier,” said Debi Brightwell, Imaging Services manager.  “With tomosynthesis we have the best chance possible to detect even the smallest area of concern.”

Women who undergo routine mammograms are excited to learn that tomosynthesis offers exceptionally sharp breast images and through a groundbreaking three-dimensional platform designed to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance.

Breast tomosynthesis is revolutionary because it gives radiologists the ability to identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.  During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles.  These images are then used to produce a series of one-millimeter thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast.

This means radiologists can see breast tissue better and rule out abnormalities that looked suspicious in 2D, so patients won’t have to return for additional imaging or unnecessary biopsies.  The radiologist can see the exact size and shape of a lump or tumor. 

Tomosynthesis is a software upgrade on a new scanner utilized for mammography at the South Florida Baptist Hospital Breast Center, so patients won’t feel additional discomfort.  They may not even notice a difference during their screening, but the biggest difference will be that they will leave with peace of mind, ruling out even the smallest abnormality.

By offering women the latest technology in mammography, South Florida Baptist Hospital hopes to increase the number of women who will be routinely screened.  Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer.  Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. 

“South Florida Baptist Hospital is committed to the fight against breast cancer,” said Brightwell.  “With 3D breast tomosynthesis digital mammography, we come to battle with an even better weapon against this disease.”  

To schedule a 3D mammogram or for more information about this important breast health procedure, call (813) 757-8350.

About South Florida Baptist Hospital

Since 1953, South Florida Baptist Hospital has served Plant City and surrounding areas as a not-for-profit community hospital.  The progressive, 147-bed acute care facility offers a full range of diagnostic, rehabilitative, surgical, therapeutic and women’s services, including obstetrics.  South Florida Baptist Hospital is part of the BayCare Health System.

About BayCare Health System

BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 13 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Inpatient and outpatient services include acute care, primary care, imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home care, and wellness. Our mission is to improve the health of all we serve through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care.