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Aspirus Iron River adds 3-D mammography

IRON RIVER — Aspirus Iron River Hospital has added 3-D mammography technology.

Using advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, these exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, hospital officials said in a news release.

In conventional 2-D mammography, overlapping tissue can results in small breast cancers being missed and normal tissue appearing abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks.

This technology takes multiple images of the breast, all at different angles. The images are brought together to create a clear 3-D reconstruction of the breast, which the radiologist can review one slide at a time. This makes it easier for physicians to see anything that might raise concerns.

“About 40 percent of women in the United States have breast tissue that makes it difficult to see cancerous tumors,” Aspirus Iron River radiologist Dr. John Maesaka said. “This new, 3-D technology significantly improves cancer detection for these cases.”

To support this effort, the Aspirus Iron Area Health Foundation raised nearly $90,000 for the technology.

Based in Wausau, Wis. Aspirus serves northern and central Wisconsin, as well as the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The system includes four hospitals in Michigan and four hospitals in Wisconsin.

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