AMI offers 3D Mammograph and Direct Digital Mammography
Exams and Preps > Mammography

3D mammography, or tomosynthesis, has been incorporated into our diagnostic tools for diagnosing breast cancer at our Silverdale Women's Diagnostic Center.  Both 2D and 3D images are taken which gives our radiologists side by side comparisons for analysis.  3D scanners offer more information and overlapping tissue can now be viewed from all angles.  Another benefit to 3D mammography is that many women may not need to return for additional imaging.  The combined use of 2D and 3D imaging with the new system roughly doubles the amount of radiation, therefore "it will be used primarily as a diagnostic tool until there are research studies to establish best use protocols," according to AMI radiologist Dr. J. Wesley Solze, medical director for the Women's Diagnostic Center.  This technology utilizes 2D images that are reconstructed into a 3-dimensional image of the breast.  From this image set, a series of thin, high-resolution, cross-sectional slices can be obtained.  The reconstructed images provide improved visualization of suspected lesions by resolving problems with tissue overlap, as well as potential visualization of lesions that are mammographically occult with 2D techniques.

Mammograms are x-ray images of the breast tissue used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. These exams require a degree of breast compression in order to obtain accurate images.  Mammograms are performed in a private suite by a female, certified technician.

We were the first practice in Kitsap County and surrounding communities to offer Direct Digital Mammography for women.  This is the latest technologic advance in breast cancer detection and there are many advantages:

• higher detection rate of breast cancer in women under 50 years of age
• higher detection rate in pre- and peri-menopausal women
• higher detection rate in women with dense breast tissue
• reduced radiation dose up to 40% over film mammography
• increased patient comfort senses breast thickness for more comfortable compression
• increased cancer detection with CAD-computer assisted diagnosis
• excellent image quality and ability to electronically manipulate images for more accurate diagnosis
• fewer callbacks for retakes
• largest detector allows imaging of almost all breast sizes.

Direct Digital Mammography is offered at our Women's Diagnostic Center in Silverdale, South Kitsap and Poulsbo.  This state-of-the-art technology is a tremendous advance in breast cancer detection.  Digital mammography uses computers and digital detectors to produce an electronic image of the breast.  These images are stored in a computer and displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor.  The excellent image quality with superior contrast resolution, especially in dense breast tissue and the ability to electronically manipulate images, will make a more accurate detection of breast cancer for many patients. 

Digital mamography lends itself to CAD-Computer Assisted Diagnosis-which obtains a second, computerized reading in the hope of finding more cancers or more accurately gauging signs of malignancy.

There are two basic types of mammograms.
Screening mammograms: this exam is performed on individuals with no breast symptoms for the early detection of breast cancer. This includes patients with a family history of breast cancer who do not have breast symptoms. Two views of each breast are performed during the screening mammogram.

Diagnostic mammograms: this exam is ordered when there are specific breast symptoms defined as--abnormal screening mammogram; breast lump or thickening; focalized breast pain; nipple discharge; previous personal history of breast cancer; previous significant breast surgery (breast reduction or implants). This exam includes the routine two views and additional pictures of the area of concern.  This exam must have a physician order or referral.

Mammography detects many abnormalities before they can be felt, but it is not a perfect test. If you or your physician feels a lump, you should discuss it with your doctor even if your mammogram is normal.

If you are experiencing any problems such as pain, discharge or if you have any lumps or breast implants, let us know before your appointment in order to make sure the correct procedure is performed.

No creams, powders or deodorants should be applied to your underarms or breasts prior to a mammogram. Tiny particles, which cannot be seen by the eye, can cause artifacts on the mammogram film.