Tyler, TX (July 10, 2018) UT Health East Texas unveiled a new mobile mammography coach featuring 3-D technology, which significantly increases the detection of breast cancers.
“This is an exciting day for East Texas, as we will be able to travel throughout the region bringing the most advanced breast screenings available to local communities,” said Cody Boyd, division administrator of the UT Health East Texas Cancer Institute and CEO of UT North Campus Tyler.
The new mobile mammography coach offers the Genius™ 3D Mammography ™ exams, developed by Hologic, Inc., and the new SmartCurve™ breast stablization system, which helps improve patient comfort.
“In conventional 2-D mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed, and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks,” said Dr. Michael Klouda, radiologist and medical director of the UT Health East Texas Breast Care Center. “The Genius exam includes a three-dimensional method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect. It includes both 2-D images and tomosynthesis scans.
“During the tomosynthesis dimensional portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images,” Klouda said. “A computer coverts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. The exam requires no additional compression and takes only a few seconds longer than a conventional 2-D breast cancer screening exam.”
UT Health East Texas mobile mammography coach also will offer SmartCurve™, which features a proprietary curved surface that mirrors the shape of a woman’s breast to reduce pinching and allow better distribution of force over the entire breast. In a recent study, the SmartCurve system improved comfort in 93 percent of women, who reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard compression.
“Some women don’t receive a mammogram because they don’t like any pain associated with the exam, but with this new system, we believe patients will be more comfortable and hopefully come in for their annual check-up,” said Regina Davis, director of the UT Health East Texas Breast Care Center.
The mobile unit, and its new technology cost, more than $1.1 million. The purchase was made possible through gifts from the former East Texas Medical Center Foundation, the Ann White Fleming Fund and the Poindexter Cancer Fund.
The mobile mammography program was established in 1996 to bring services to rural communities in East Texas. Today, more than 2,400 women are screened annually through this program. The mobile travels to Carthage, Canton, Chandler, Grand Saline, Gilmer, Lake Palestine, Lindale, Malakoff, Mt. Vernon, Mineola, Quitman, Rusk and Sulphur Springs as well as school districts, churches and businesses.
“We have found that many people benefit from this service, especially rural residents, working women and patients with limited access to transportation,” said Davis. “Women can call our scheduling center to find out when the mobile is coming to their community and make an appointment. We take walk-ins, if appointment slots are available.
“On board the mobile mammography unit, a female technologist handles all details of your appointment,” added Davis. “The entire procedure, along with the check-in, takes about 15 minutes.”
Patients can schedule their mammogram by calling 866-333-3862 and pressing 3.
New radiologist joins UT Health Breast Care Center
Dr. Brandon Ashton will join Dr. Klouda as a radiologist reading screening mammograms at the UT Health East Texas Breast Care Center.
Dr. Ashton earned his bachelor’s degree at Weber State University in Utah and his doctor of medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He completed his residency at Scott & White Medical Center in Temple and a breast imaging fellowship at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville.
Dr. Klouda is a graduate of Rush Medical College in Chicago and is board-certified in diagnostic radiology. He completed a fellowship in breast imaging at the University of Chicago Hospitals and practiced at Lynn Sage Breast Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Early detection tips
- Baseline mammogram between the ages of 35-40.
- Annual mammogram for women age 40 and over.
- Women under age 40 with a family history of breast cancer should consult a physician about when to begin their screenings.
About UT Health East Texas
Formed in 2018 through the combination of East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System (ETMC) and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UT Health Northeast), UT Health East Texas provides care to thousands of patients each year through an extensive regional network that includes 10 hospitals, more than 50 physician clinics, the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services covering 41 counties, an EMS fleet of more than 45 ambulances and four helicopters, and a comprehensive seven-trauma center care network, including a Level 1.
As a partner with The University of Texas System, UT Health East Texas is uniquely positioned to provide patients with access to leading-edge research and clinical therapies while training and educating the next generation of physicians and other health professionals. The nationally recognized UT System also includes UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, as well as three other major university medical centers located throughout the state. For more information visit uthealtheasttexas.com