Tresa Spano became interested in health care because she likes to work with people. Her interest in computers and technical equipment drew her to mammography.
“I like that I am able to combine these interests,” said Tresa, who joined the ella health staff at Toms River, New Jersey in December of last year. “But just as important, I really believe in mammography. I know it works. I’ve seen it save people’s lives.”
She is especially enthusiastic about the most recent advance in the field, 3D mammograms, available at all ella health centers. This system produces more accurate images that have increased the detection of cancer and decreased the number of false alarms.
Tresa said she is proof of how effective it is. She has had issues with conventional mammograms because of breast reduction surgery that left scar tissue within her breasts. With 2D mammograms, the scar tissue shows up as an area of concern requiring further tests to determine whether or not it is cancer. But it’s different with a 3D mammogram.
With the 3D system, the camera rotates around the breast taking numerous images that are later compiled allowing doctors to see structures within the breast more clearly.
“With a regular mammogram, the scar tissue can look suspicious, but when you look at the images as a slide show, you can see that it is just scar tissue,” Tresa explained.
When she had her mammogram at ella, there was no need for follow up testing.
Tresa said she also likes the emphasis at ella health on making sure women are comfortable during their exam.
“We use a pad on the machine and we talk to women during the exam to find out how they are tolerating the compression,” she said. “It’s important that women feel comfortable because we want them to feel good about coming back the next time.”
Increasingly, patients are aware of and concerned about taking care of their health, Tresa says. She is happy to talk with them about their options and how to make good choices. She recommends that they continue doing monthly breast self-exams after the mammogram.
Tresa became certified in mammography in 1994 and worked first at Brooklyn Medical Center. Prior to coming to ella, she worked at the Robert Wood Johnson University and Jersey Shore Medical Center, performing mammograms, stereotactic biopsies and needle localizations.
She and her husband have three daughters who are active in competitive cheerleading. The family has a Labrador retriever named after Eli Manning.
Ella Health 