Memorial Hermann Southwest offers new test to detect breast cancer

Memorial Hermann Southwest, 7600 Beechnut St., Houston, is the first hospital in southwest Houston to offer its patients access to digital breast tomosynthesis, a three-dimensional test that improves the chances of detecting smaller tumors at the earliest stages of breast cancer.  

Breast tomosynthesis enables radiologists to see inside the breast by combining data from a series of low-dose radiation, two-dimensional images taken during a short scan to create a single three-dimensional image of the breast.  

The test will be available to patients who are due for their yearly mammograms, however, it is not yet covered by insurance. As such, Memorial Hermann will bill insurance for a 2-D digital mammogram and charge a nominal fee of $50 for the advanced service upon request.  
For more information about breast tomosynthesis, including costs or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-406- 2666 or go to www.memorialhermann.org/imaging.