A Seattle, Washington based hospital has announced the launch of a new 3-D mammography imaging technology, or better known as tomosynthesis now, is available for patient appointments. This development will make it possible for more precise readings that reduce the need for follow-up appointments by up to 40% saving all parties serious cash.
The new procedure uses precise, three-dimensional digital imaging to create a complete reconstruction of the breast, which gives radiologists the ability to identify abnormalities that are more difficult to identify with traditional 2-D mammography screening.
Tomosynthesis benefits all screening and diagnostic mammography patients, and is especially valuable for women receiving a baseline screening, women who are 40 to 60 years old, those who have dense breast tissue and women with a personal history of breast cancer.
The new technology is part of the comprehensive breast-health services offered by the Evergreen Breast Center and is available to all screening and diagnostic patients. All patients can request a tomosynthesis screening appointment now.
Evergreen Hospital CEO Robert Malte stated:
“We are proud to continue Evergreen’s tradition of innovative, advanced breast cancer care through this remarkable technology. Our sincerest thanks go out to all the generous donors to the Evergreen Healthcare Foundation for their benevolence and support in helping to bring tomosynthesis to Evergreen and our surrounding community.”
Dr. Kara Carlson, medical director of the Evergreen Breast Center adds:
“The introduction of tomosynthesis helps us stay at the forefront of important technological advances in breast-health screening and diagnostic tools. This helps us deliver on our commitment to achieving positive outcomes through early detection.”
The Evergreen Breast Center was named a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in February 2011, and is accredited by the ACR in Mammography; Breast Ultrasound and Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy; and Stereotactic Breast Biopsy. In 1998, it was also the first medical center in the state to use computer-aided detection mammography (CAD).
CAD has boomed in recent years, even though previous research has not demonstrated a clear benefit. Practices using computer-aided detection to help interpret mammography films weren’t more likely to find invasive or earlier stage tumors and actually saw lower accuracy in detection.
However, Evergreen did not stop there with their innovation. They also are able to provide a softer and warmer mammography experience thanks to the MammoPad, an ergonomic cushion that leads to 50% less discomfort for most patients.
Although they are not perfect, mammograms are the best method to find breast changes that cannot be felt. If a mammogram shows a breast change, sometimes other tests are needed to better understand it. Even if the doctor sees something on the mammogram, it does not mean it is cancer.
The National Cancer Institute recommends that women 40 years and older should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women who have had breast cancer or other breast problems or who have a family history of breast cancer might need to start getting mammograms before age 40, or they might need to get them more often.
Sources: The Evergreen Hospital Medical Center and
Written by Sy Kraft