New 3D Mammography now offered at Women's Diagnostic Center Silverdale

3D Mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, has been incorporated into our extensive diagnostic tools for detecting 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 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 volume 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 of tissue overlap, as well as potential visualization of lesions that are mammographically occult with 2D techniques.  This technology has several advantages.  When standard digital mammography is combined with tomosynthesis, we can help improve cancer detection, especially in women with dense breast tissue.  The ability to improve lesion characterization has been shown to reduce the number of mammograms requiring additional imaging and the number of biopsies recommended.  There is a small increase of radiation with 3D technology, so the radiologist will determine which patients may benefit from this test.

Shear-Wave Elastography Breast Ultrasound

was recently incorporated at the Silverdale Women's Diagnostic Center.  This imaging performed during breast ultrasound is excellent when evaluating breast lesions and selecting patients who need a biopsy.  This exam takes approximately 2 minutes, has no radiation and provides more information about the lesion.

New Women's Diagnostic Center of Poulsbo

AMI has opened a third Women's Diagnostic Center in Poulsbo, where digital screening mammography is available.  This technology offers higher detection, less radiation, fewer call-backs, quicker scans and more accurate diagnosis.  The images can be electronically manipulated, enhanced or brightened for better interpretation.  DEXA bone density scans are also offered.  This new office is in the Cascade View Medical Center located off of Highway 3 and 305.

Our women's centers are staffed with all female technologists in a private, women-only setting.  Should additional evaluation become necessary, a seamless transition to our comprehensive Breast Diagnostic Center in Silverdale can be arranged, expediting your care.  Answering the cause of a women's breast concern in a timely matter is a priority at AMI.

CT Scans may Reduce Lung Cancer Deaths by 20%

According to a Nov. 15th New York Times article, "Annual CT scans of current and former heavy smokers reduced their risk of death from lung cancer by 20%, a government study found.  The scans seem to also reduce the risks of premature death from other causes, suggesting the scans could be catching other illnesses.  The findings represent an advance in cancer detection that could potentially save thousands of lives annually, although at a considerable expense."  CT lung exams are available at Advanced Medical Imaging in Silverdale and Port Orchard.  Read the full article.