Thorough. Detailed. Precise. Words a patient wants associated with any medical test. TriStar Northcrest Medical Center in Springfield continues pursuing these attributes in their medical technology.

This past August the hospital unveiled their second 3D mammography equipment. The latest in breast imaging technology, this 3D tomography system is set to transform the experience for patients. This new equipment represents the gold standard in breast cancer screening and diagnostics, delivering clearer and more detailed images than traditional 2D mammography.

Kim LeBerte, Lead Mammographer at TriStar NorthCrest with over 31 years of experience in the field, explains the advantages of 3D tomography. “A regular mammogram compresses everything into a 2D image, but this technology slices the breast tissue into very thin cross-sectional images. It allows us to see in great detail every layer, which can detect abnormalities that might be missed on a standard 2D image,” she said.

This new system can capture images from multiple angles, providing a more comprehensive view and improving the accuracy of breast cancer detection.

This advanced technology does not add any additional discomfort for patients. “A mammogram can be uncomfortable, but this doesn’t take longer or compress harder,” Kim adds, “Yet it detects a lot more abnormalities, taking 10 slices through that one picture.”

“It’s not inconveniencing the patient more than a mammogram does, and the results are much clearer, even with patient’s having dense breast tissue,” adds Sabrina Hall, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging at TriStar Northcrest. Performing both 2D and 3D mammograms in the same appointment enhances the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities, allowing for more precise detection of abnormalities.

Patients presenting with known symptoms such as breast pain, lumps, or other abnormalities, can be comforted by shorter wait times. TriStar’s diagnostic mammograms involve their on-site radiologists reviewing the images immediately. “If a patient comes in with symptoms,” says Sabrina, “the radiologist will look at the images immediately and determine if further imaging like an ultrasound is needed or if we need to recommend a biopsy.” With the radiologist on-site, the hospital can often complete these additional steps in a single visit, significantly reducing patient anxiety and speeding up the diagnostic process.

Dr. Allen Forsythe, a Board-Certified Radiologist at TriStar NorthCrest, adds that through the stereotactic biopsy technique, the hospital's team can pinpoint small calcifications or abnormalities detected during the mammogram and biopsy them with precision. “We use triangulation to hit the calcification. It takes x-rays of the sample in real-time, which reduces the number of passes and the number of aggravations for the patient,” says Dr. Forsythe.

The new 3D mammogram technology has also had a positive impact on patient experiences. Kim shares that the community is excited about this upgrade. “The patients knew about 3D before we had it, so they are really excited to not have to drive to Nashville to get it,” she says.

TriStar Northcrest is committed to creating a welcoming and less clinical environment for its patients. “We try to make it not as sterile looking. We bring them in individually and sit them down so they have privacy. It’s better to have that personal feel instead of that clinical feel,” Kim adds.

Sabrina adds, “We are excited to be fully upgraded with this new technology so we can serve the community, meeting the needs of our patients while maintaining our small town connectedness.”

It’s medical excellence melded with customized care that’s right next door. A friendly neighbor who shares more than a cup of sugar, TriStar Northcrest shares security during often insecure life moments.

Now that’s positive news worth sharing.