Tomosynthesis is done at the same time as a traditional mammogram. Click to (Charlotte Radiology photo)

HUNTERSVILLE – Charlotte Radiology said it has begun offering digital breast tomosynthesis (also known as 3D mammography) at its Huntersville Breast Center, after introducing it in Charlotte last summer.  

“This revolutionary technology reveals greater detail, which may help us detect cancer sooner,” Dr. Amy Sobel, a breat-imaging specialist Charlotte Radiology, said in a press release. “Our patients welcome the access to this procedure, and we continue to broaden our geographic reach so that women across the region have this option.”

Charlotte Radiology is in the CMC-Northcross Medical building, 16455 Statesville Road, Suite 110-B, Huntersville.

Tomosynthesis was approved by the FDA in February 2011. It’s a modification of the current 2D (digital) mammography, creating multiple images, or “slices,” that step through the breast tissue. This allows the radiologist to see more clearly and helps reduce the impact of overlapping breast tissue. The process is performed at the same time as a traditional 2D mammogram, Charlotte Radiology said. 

It’s not yet covered by insurance plans, so most patients will pay a $50 fee. More information is at www.charlotteradiology.com/tomo.

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Charlotte Radiology's mobile unit.

A Charlotte medical practice is hoping a new mobile mammography unit hitting the road next week will help expand early detection of a disease that remains the second leading killer of women. Charlotte Radiology says its bus-sized mobile breast center begins service Jan. 24 and is the first mobile mammography center in the four counties it serves.

The rate of breast cancer among women in Mecklenburg County is more than 120 cases per 100,000 people – above the national average. Nationally, only about 68 percent of women 40 and above have had a mammogram in the past two years, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.

Registration for a mammogram.

“Our mobile breast center will allow Charlotte Radiology to reach women in the workplace and underserved areas,” Cathleen Bates, Charlotte Radiology Breast Center manager, said in a press release Friday. “Our goal is to improve access and educate women about the importance of early detection, ultimately increasing the number of women getting their annual mammogram.”

The new 38-foot pink-and-black vehicle will be available to visit businesses, organizations and other locations in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union and York counties. It has two mammography certified technologists and has a registration and waiting area, two private dressing rooms and an exam room for completing the mammogram. Most exams will take less than 30 minutes.

MORE INFO

To learn more about the mobile breast center or to schedule a stop, visit http://www.charlotteradiology.com/mobilebc. To schedule a screening mammography exam, call Charlotte Radiology at 704-367-2232 or 877-362-2232 toll free. A physician referral is not necessary for a screening mammogram, but patients will need to provide their physician’s name to forward exam results.

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