August 11, 2011 – Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Wash., announced that revolutionary three-dimensional mammography imaging technology, known as tomosynthesis, is now available for patient appointments at the Evergreen Breast Center, which is the only comprehensive breast center in the Seattle area to offer the breakthrough screening and diagnosis technology.
Tomosynthesis uses precise, 3-D 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.
"The introduction of tomosynthesis helps us stay at the forefront of important technological advances in breast-health screening and diagnostic tools," said Kara Carlson, M.D., medical director of the Evergreen Breast Center. "This helps us deliver on our commitment to achieving positive outcomes through early detection."
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 tomosynthesis screening experience is similar to that of a traditional mammogram, but the new technology's superior 3-D imaging allows for more precise readings that reduce the need for follow-up appointments by up to 40 percent.
Evergreen also provides a softer and warmer mammography experience thanks to the MammoPad, an ergonomic cushion that leads to 50 percent less discomfort for most patients.
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 at the Evergreen Breast Center beginning this week, and may also schedule Saturday appointments for increased convenience.
The technology was funded through the 10th Annual Evergreen Healthcare Foundation Gala in April 2011. The Foundation initiated a $10 million capital campaign to create a comprehensive cancer center providing wide-ranging patient-support services, research facilities and state-of-the-art breast cancer detection and diagnostic equipment.
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 the first medical center in the state to use computer-aided detection mammography (CAD), and it was the first comprehensive breast center to provide digital mammography on the Eastside in 2006.
For more information: www.evergreenhospital.org/mammography
July 29, 2024 
