Methodist South Hospital in Whitehaven has begun offering 3D mammography for breast cancer diagnostic screening exams using the Selenia 3D Dimensions Mammography System. The 3D exam provides more accurate detection and earlier diagnosis of breast cancer compared to 2D alone.

3D mammography already has been available at Methodist Diagnostic Center in Southaven, Margaret West Comprehensive Breast Center, Midtown Diagnostic Center and Methodist North Hospital.

"Greater accuracy means better breast cancer detection and a reduced chance of additional screenings," said Cherie Heard, director of radiology at Methodist South.

"Rather than taking a single picture of the entire thickness of the breast, 3D mammography involves taking multiple low-dose images of the breast from different angles," said Heard. "These images are then used to produce a series of one millimeter slices or layers that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast. We have the ability to evaluate each individual layer in much greater detail."