3-D Mammography

Because we can't prevent breast cancer yet, the Evergreen Breast Health Center places a high priority on staying at forefront of technological advances intended to ensure early detection.

We're proud to be the first in King County to provide 3-dimensional mammography imaging technology, known as tomosynthesis - the latest breakthrough in breast cancer detecting technology. The 3-D digital images of the breast can spot cancers not seen by regular 2-D mammography. 

The 3-D Mammography Difference

While the screening experience is similar to that of a traditional mammogram, 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. 

3-D mammography takes multiple low-dose x-ray pictures of each breast from many angles. The breast is positioned the same way it is in a conventional mammogram. The x-ray tube moves in an arc around the breast while 11 images are taken during a 7-second examination. Then the information is sent to a computer, where it is assembled to produce clear, highly focused 3-dimensional images throughout the breast.

These images allow our dedicated breast radiologists to view 1 mm slice images through the breast tissue for closer, clearer looks at any areas of suspicion, as in these images:

Current 2-D Mammography		3-D Mammography
(LEFT)  This image is a 2D scan of a breast with nodular dense breast tissue. (RIGHT)  This image is a 3D scan of the same patient using breast tomosynthesis. It is able to reveal a cancer hidden within the nodular dense breast tissue.

The Benefits

The benefit of the 3-D mammogram is two-fold:

• It increases our ability to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages
• It decreases by 20-40% the number of women who need call backs for additional evaluation, because the enhanced 3-D images are more precise

There is no additional charge for having a 3-D mammogram - it costs the same as a 2-D mammogram.

The radiation exposure from the mammogram is about the same as you'd get on a flight cross-country...and back.

Who Should Have the 3-D Mammogram?

3-D mammography benefits all screening mammography patients, and is especially appropriate for:

• Baseline, screening mammogram
• Women, 40 - 60 years old
• Women with dense, fibroglandular breast tissue
• Women with personal history of breast cancer

Download our 3-D Mammography brochure

Experience the "Softer Mammogram"

Evergreen now features the MammoPad breast cushion to help minimize discomfort. It creates a warmer, softer surface between you and the mammography machine. Clinical studies show that using MammoPad reduces discomfort by 50 percent for three out of four women.

Using MammoPad does not create a need for increased dosage or compromise the high-level image quality. In fact, the comfortable pad helps technologists to position the breast for the best possible image.