x
Breaking News
More () »

Windsong uses 3D tech for breast cancer screenings

Machine gives more thorough examinations

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Windsong Radiology Group is utilizing 3D technology to screen patients for breast cancer. The technology was just approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but the staff at Windsong have been working with it for longer than that in order to keep up with the changing trends in breast cancer screening.

One of the doctor's who has worked with the technology the longest is Dr. Anna Chen. Chen is the Director of Women's Imaging at Windsong. When the 3D machine that performs the screenings was approved in 2011, she began to use it on her patients.  

"The computer helps us generate more pictures through the breast so it helps us look at the tissue layer by layer", she told 2 On Your Side. 

Dr. Chen explained the images taken by the machine allow a physician to zoom in closer on an image to pick up cancerous tissues that might not have been as easily detected with a 2D machine. One of those tissues she described as being no bigger than a pea. The 3D imagery helped her detect breast cancer in her patient while it was still easily treatable.  

"That's what was biopsied and we did detect the cancer."

Once detected the staff at Windsong work with the patient to craft a specialized treatment plan. The same is true if a cancer is not detected in a patient. Dr. Chen says genetics is just one part of the equation. 

"Not only family history but lifestyle risks, other medical conditions, to tailor it to each individual person", she said.

Chen says this approach is important because of the range of cancer types and potential causes. She also wants to remind women that an annual mammogram is the best form of preventative treatment because it increases the chance that a doctor can detect cancer early. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out